The handover followed a final forfeiture order issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on December 2, 2024

By Titilope Adako

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally handed over 753 housing units in Abuja, previously linked to a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

The property, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09 in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, covers 150,500 square metres and comprises duplexes and other residential apartments.

The handover followed a final forfeiture order issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on December 2, 2024.

Speaking during the brief ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency in asset recovery and disposal.

He said such gestures are meant to “demonstrate to Nigerians that whatever proceeds of crime that we have recovered in the course of our work, the application of that will be made transparent to Nigerians so that we will not allow looted assets to be looted again”.

A statement by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, quoted Olukoyede as saying, “It is important for us to emphasise to Nigerians that the fight against corruption can work and we can really make it work. One of the key factors that actually propel the impact of the fight is the need for us to ensure that those who have stolen our commonwealth are not allowed to enjoy the proceeds of crime.

“So, one of the critical factors of our works is that we deprive them of the proceeds of crimes,” he added.

Olukoyede also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance on the fight against corruption, noting that the handover of the property signalled the government’s seriousness in tackling economic and financial crimes.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, praised the EFCC for its sustained commitment to asset recovery and anti-corruption.

He said the handover was a “significant milestone in our collective efforts and determination to ensure that recovered assets are put to productive use in ways that directly benefits the Nigerian people.”

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