Godwin Emefiele Duped Nigerians? FG Reclaims 753 Housing Units

Godwin Emefiele Duped Nigerians? FG Reclaims 753 Housing Units

Godwin Emefiele, the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has again found himself at the center of public attention. This time, it’s not about monetary policy or banking reforms—but 753 housing units in Abuja, now officially seized and transferred to the Federal Government.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development confirmed the handover of the massive estate, linked to Emefiele, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The estate, located in the Cadastral Zone of the Federal Capital Territory, was forfeited to the government following a court ruling.

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, visited the Ministry to formally transfer ownership of the sprawling estate. Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa described the event as a major milestone in the federal government’s effort to put recovered assets to good use.

He expressed confidence that the move would send a strong signal to the public that looted assets will no longer be left to decay or gather dust. Instead, they will now be transformed into public infrastructure with real-life impact on Nigerian families.

“Today, I had the honour of hosting the hardworking Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, as he officially handed over 753 duplexes and other apartments seized from the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Dangiwa tweeted.

The tweet reflected a new chapter in the country’s anti-corruption fight—one that not only recovers what was lost but puts it back into the hands of everyday people.

“Finally, the housing units will be offered for sale through a transparent and competitive process, which will be widely advertised and managed via the Renewed Hope Portal,” Dangiwa added.

The EFCC began investigating the estate after gathering what it described as “actionable intelligence.” According to its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, a company initially linked to the property had denied ownership in national newspapers. That denial opened the door for the EFCC to seek a final forfeiture order in court.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court granted the order. With the legal process complete, the Ministry of Housing is now preparing the estate for the public.

But this isn’t just about buildings or concrete. This is about giving Nigerians hope.

Minister Dangiwa emphasized that the ministry will conduct a full structural and integrity assessment to ensure the buildings are safe. The estate’s infrastructure—including roads, drainage, and amenities—will also be completed.

“The goal is not just to sell houses. It is to provide safe, livable homes to Nigerians through a process that is both accountable and transparent,” the minister said.

For many Nigerians, especially young families and middle-income earners, the dream of owning a home often feels out of reach. Now, the government hopes this project will make that dream more accessible.

According to Dangiwa, a standardized housing design framework will be created. This will help ensure uniformity across the estate and make it easier for buyers to navigate the allocation process.

The sale of these homes, though tied to a case of alleged corruption, represents a chance for the country to turn a painful story into a hopeful one.

“Together with the EFCC, we will work to show that the fight against corruption can deliver real benefits—turning looted assets into livable homes for Nigerians,” Dangiwa added.

The ministry’s Renewed Hope Agenda, under President Bola Tinubu’s directive, is determined to turn these 753 uncompleted duplexes into something the people can truly call their own.

And for the EFCC, this is more than just a legal victory. It’s about showing that fighting financial crime isn’t just about prosecution and headlines—it’s also about restoration and recovery.

By transferring the estate to the Ministry of Housing, the EFCC hopes to help the federal government bridge the housing gap that continues to widen in major urban centers.

While the exact market price of the duplexes is yet to be released, officials have promised affordability. The ministry says the allocation process will be fair and open, leaving no room for backdoor deals or political favoritism.

The story of these homes—once shrouded in mystery and accusations—will now be reshaped. Their new legacy will be built on transparency, accountability, and public benefit.

Godwin Emefiele, whose name once stood for financial policy leadership, now finds his reputation linked to one of Nigeria’s biggest housing asset forfeitures. Whether the former CBN boss accepts or contests the public perception, the estate tied to him has begun a new journey—one meant to bring shelter, not scandal.

This isn’t the end of the fight against corruption, but it marks a new beginning in how the country turns justice into tangible change.