Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele has been identified as the owner of an Abuja estate containing 753 duplexes, which was forfeited to the Nigerian government following a court ruling on Monday.
KanyiDaily recalls that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which recovered the massive estate, described this as its largest single asset recovery since its establishment in 2003.
The property, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, was forfeited to the federal government following a court ruling on Monday, December 2, 2024, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.
The EFCC said the property belonged to a “former senior government official,” although no names were mentioned.
Reacting to the development, a human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore criticized the EFCC for withholding Emefiele’s identity while highlighting their history of publicizing minor fraud cases.
Sowore wrote: “I just heard from the grapevine that the 753 duplexes forfeited by an FCT court in Apo belong to Muhammadu Buhari’s CBN gov, Godwin Emefiele.”
He added, “What is the name of the “former top brass” with 753 duplexes seized by the EFCC in Abuja?
“The @officialEFCC is now doing PR for thieves. They seized this large estate with 753 duplexes from a single individual in Abuja but can’t mention his or her name.
“If it is Yahoo boys, they will line laptops and Nokia phones in front of them and send their photos globally even before their trial is commenced. The same EFCC is now AFRAID of BIG Thieves!”
In another post, Sowore highlighted the irony of past government policies discouraging public housing initiatives, while a single person accumulated such massive wealth to build an estate for personal gain.
He wrote, “They have told you every day since the days of the Structural Adjustment Program of IBB and Co. that the government has no business building houses for citizens, but a “TOP Brass” stole from citizens and built 753 duplexes for himself.”
I just heard from the grapevine that the 753 duplexes forfeited by an FCT Court in Apo belong to Muhammadu @MBuhari’s CBN Gov. Godwin @GodwinIEmefiele !
He reportedly built this estate and more with kickbacks. But the question is why @officialEFCC opted to cover up his…
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) December 2, 2024
What is the name of the “former top brass” with 753 duplexes seized by the EFCC in Abuja?
The @officialEFCC is now doing PR for thieves. They seized this large estate with 753 duplexes from a single individual in Abuja but can’t mention his or her name. If it is Yahoo boys,… pic.twitter.com/RA5WavaYx5
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) December 2, 2024
KanyiDaily recalls that the Federal High Court in Lagos had also ruled for the final forfeiture of $2.045 million, seven landed properties, and share certificates associated with Godwin Emefiele.