|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi has called on the Nigerian government to allocate 753 forfeited duplexes in Abuja to deserving medical doctors and civil servants as part of a mass housing initiative.
On Monday, SaharaReporters reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed that Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie had ordered the final forfeiture of an estate in Abuja, covering 150,500 square meters and consisting of 753 duplexes and other apartments. This marks the largest asset recovery in the EFCC’s history, established in 2003, with the estate located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09 in the Lokogoma District.
The EFCC stated that the forfeiture was a result of the agency’s commitment to preventing those involved in corruption from benefiting from the proceeds of their illicit activities. The forfeiture was made in accordance with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act of 2006 and Section 44 (2) B of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
While the EFCC did not publicly identify the former government official from whom the property was seized, SaharaReporters later reported that the estate belonged to Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Emefiele is currently facing multiple corruption charges, including those related to the controversial naira redesign, with his trial ongoing in the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, also confirmed the development in a post on social media. He criticized the EFCC for not naming the former official involved.
In the case before the FCT High Court, the EFCC sought a final forfeiture of the property, alleging that it was acquired through unlawful activities, including kickbacks related to foreign exchange allocations and contracts awarded during Emefiele’s tenure at the CBN.
In a statement on Monday, Olajengbesi applauded the EFCC for securing the forfeiture, calling it a major victory in the fight against corruption. He commended the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and the prosecution team, led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), for their hard work and determination.
Olajengbesi stressed that instead of auctioning off the forfeited properties, the EFCC should complete them and allocate them to deserving individuals, such as doctors and civil servants, as a means of encouraging service to the nation.
“This forfeiture represents a significant step in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. The diligent work of the EFCC sends a strong message to corrupt officials and their associates,” Olajengbesi said. “Rather than selling the properties, the government should use them to benefit those who dedicate their lives to serving the public, like our doctors and civil servants.”
