Ex-CBN Governor Fights to Reclaim 753-Unit Estate Seized by FG

By Achimi muktar

In a dramatic legal twist, embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is mounting a fierce legal challenge to reclaim a sprawling estate of 753 housing units in Abuja, which the federal government has already seized and earmarked for auction.

The high-value estate, located in the Lokogoma district of Abuja, had been linked to an unnamed ex-government official. But in a surprising turn, Emefiele has surfaced to assert ownership interest, claiming the seizure was done behind his back and in violation of due process.

Through his lawyer, A.M. Kotoye, Emefiele has petitioned the Court of Appeal in Abuja, challenging a ruling that granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) full control of the estate. According to Emefiele, he was unaware of the forfeiture proceedings and was never given the chance to defend his stake.

“I was unaware of the forfeiture,” he stated, accusing the EFCC of publishing the interim forfeiture notice in an obscure newspaper section, effectively ensuring it went unnoticed.

Emefiele further argued that he was distracted by multiple criminal charges in both Abuja and Lagos, which made it difficult to keep track of additional legal moves being made against him.

But the trial court dismissed his claims, stating that the EFCC had complied with due process, and that the publication of the notice met legal requirements. The judge insisted the notice “could not reasonably be described as hidden.”

Refusing to back down, Emefiele filed an appeal on April 30, 2025, demanding that the April 28 ruling be set aside. He also asked the appellate court to nullify both the interim (November 1, 2024) and final (December 2, 2024) forfeiture orders.

Describing the entire process as a miscarriage of justice, Emefiele said the lower court relied on “hearsay, suspicion, and no proper evidence,” adding that it failed to evaluate the documents and affidavits he had presented.

“The orders were made in breach of the 1999 Constitution and are therefore null and void,” he declared.

Meanwhile, his legal team has sent a letter to the Minister of Housing, warning against any attempts to auction the estate while the appeal is ongoing.

“We are aware that the properties may soon be sold to the public. We have already served the EFCC with a notice of appeal and an injunction,” the letter reads.

The federal government had earlier revealed plans to sell the 753-unit estate to low- and middle-income Nigerians, a move that may now be stalled pending the outcome of the appeal.

As the legal battle unfolds, questions remain about who truly owns the multi-billion-naira estate—and whether Emefiele can beat the odds and reclaim what he says is rightfully his.