By Olumide Olusegun |
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the 753 duplexes recently forfeited to the federal government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) belong to embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The EFCC announced that it secured the properties on December 2, 2024.
The properties, located in a sprawling estate on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, were confiscated following a judgment by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.
The commission described it as the “single largest asset recovery” in its history since inception in 2003.
According to the EFCC, the estate spans 150,500 square meters and comprises 753 duplexes and apartments. Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the respondent failed to provide sufficient justification for ownership, stating that the property was “reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.”
As such, it was forfeited to the federal government under the EFCC Act and the Nigerian Constitution.
The EFCC explained that the interim forfeiture order was first granted on November 1, 2024, and further investigations are ongoing to unravel the full extent of the suspect’s alleged corrupt practices.
The commission emphasised its commitment to ensuring that no one benefits from proceeds of corruption.
Netizens Criticise EFCC for Withholding Names
Despite the EFCC’s declaration, Nigerians on social media criticised the commission for not disclosing the name of the individual linked to the forfeited properties.
They called on the EFCC to provide clarity and demonstrate transparency in its fight against corruption.
Maiwada Dammallam, a Facebook user, commented, “Why hide the official’s name? It’s unfair that some suspects are paraded publicly, while others are shielded. Are there two different sets of laws in Nigeria? Transparency is key.”
Another user, Chukwuemeka Kingsley Chinemeze, added, “Which official owns this estate? In a struggling economy like ours, such secrecy is unacceptable. Nigerians deserve full disclosure.”
Ifeanyi Njoku expressed similar sentiments, saying, “The EFCC is supposed to lead by example in transparency and accountability. Why is the agency hiding the identity of the culprit?”
Sowore, reacting via his Twitter account, directly alleged that the properties belong to Godwin Emefiele, stating, “I just heard that the 753 duplexes forfeited in Abuja belong to Muhammadu Buhari’s CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. He reportedly built this estate with kickbacks. Why is the EFCC covering up his identity?”
