it has been revealed that former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele is the owner of a large estate in Abuja consisting of 753 duplexes that were forfeited to the Nigerian government. This decision was made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a court ruling on Monday.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed this news on Twitter, expressing his criticism of the EFCC for not publicizing the identity of the former “top brass” who owned the estate. Emefiele is currently facing corruption charges, including allegations related to the new naira redesign, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
Justice Maryann Anenih has scheduled the continuation of Emefiele’s trial for December 4, 2024 and January 21, 2025. Sowore, who is also the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, has accused the EFCC of protecting wealthy individuals like Emefiele and lacking transparency in their actions.
The estate in question, located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, consists of 753 units of duplexes and other apartments spread across 150,500 square meters. This marks the largest asset recovery by the EFCC since its establishment in 2003.
Sowore has pointed out the discrepancy in the EFCC’s treatment of high-profile individuals like Emefiele compared to ordinary citizens, highlighting the agency’s focus on showcasing seized assets of “yahoo boys” while remaining secretive about the identities of wealthy individuals involved in corruption. He has criticized the EFCC for their selective transparency and their seeming hesitation to confront powerful figures involved in corruption.