EFCC Links Emefiele to Massive 753-Duplex Estate in Abuja

EFCC Links Godwin Emefiele to Massive 753-Duplex Estate in Abuja

 

Court filings by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have implicated Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in the acquisition of a vast property comprising 753 duplexes and other apartments in Abuja’s Cadastral Zone. This estate, situated on a 150,500 square-meter plot identified as Plot 109, Lokogoma District, is considered one of the EFCC’s most significant recoveries since its inception in 2003.

 

The property was officially recovered following a December 2, 2024 ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo. The anti-corruption agency announced the recovery as part of its intensified efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria.

 

 

 

Allegations of Fraud and Kickbacks

 

According to court documents obtained on December 3, 2024, Emefiele allegedly used his position as CBN governor to orchestrate large-scale fraud in collaboration with associates. The EFCC claimed that he negotiated kickbacks from companies in dire need of foreign exchange and from contractors awarded projects by the central bank. These illicit funds were reportedly funneled into acquiring multiple properties, including the sprawling estate in Abuja.

 

The commission disclosed that during their investigation, evidence showed Emefiele’s cronies, including one Ifeanyi Omeke, were instrumental in managing these illicit activities. Omeke reportedly handled tasks such as purchasing and processing title documents for high-value properties in Lagos and Abuja. The title documents for the Abuja estate were discovered during a search of Omeke’s office.

 

 

 

Deserted Property and Investigation Findings

 

The estate, abandoned since June 2023 after Emefiele’s arrest, was located by EFCC investigators on September 17, 2024. Aided by a surveyor from the Abuja Geographical Information Systems, the agency used search results and coordinates to identify the property. Currently, only a lone guard remains stationed at the location.

 

In the court filings, the EFCC stated:

“Our investigations revealed that the said property was reasonably suspected to have been acquired and developed with proceeds of unlawful activities.”

 

 

Multiple Legal Battles

 

Emefiele is facing three separate criminal cases across various courts. In Abuja, before Justice Maryann Anenih, he is accused of approving the printing of N684.5 million notes at an inflated cost of N18.96 billion.

 

In Lagos, he is being tried by Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court for alleged fraud involving $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.

 

Additionally, he faces charges of procurement fraud and forgery before Justice Hamza Mu’azu of the FCT High Court, including allegations of forging the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

 

 

EFCC’s Landmark Recovery

 

The EFCC described the estate recovery as its most significant achievement to date in the fight against corruption. The agency has intensified efforts to expose how high-profile individuals, such as Emefiele, used public funds for personal enrichment.

 

The revelations surrounding this case have heightened public interest and scrutiny of corruption within Nigeria’s financial and governmental institutions. As legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on ensuring accountability and justice in one of the country’s most notable anti-corruption cases.