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FG Set to Auction 753 Luxury Duplexes Seized from Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele

By Achimi Muktar

In what many are calling one of the boldest moves in Nigeria’s anti-corruption war, the Federal Government is set to put up for sale a jaw-dropping 753-unit housing estate seized from embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Clutching a Bible during a high-profile handover ceremony, Emefiele’s symbolic image stood in stark contrast to the reality: his multi-billion-naira estate, recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is now officially in the hands of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

A Monument to Corruption – Now a Symbol of Justice

Located in Abuja’s high-demand Lokogoma District, the estate sits on a sprawling 150,462.86 square metres of land. The property—comprising hundreds of high-end duplexes—is being prepped for resale as part of the government’s drive to recover stolen public assets and reinvest them into national development.

Speaking on Tuesday, Salisu Haiba, spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, confirmed that the estate had been officially transferred from the EFCC to the ministry. According to him, the homes will be sold to the public while also meeting certain “special government needs.”

EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, handed over the estate to Housing Minister Ahmed Dangiwa, acting on the direct orders of President Bola Tinubu.

From Crime to Community: What Happens Next

Minister Dangiwa hailed the EFCC’s leadership for its unwavering pursuit of justice and pledged a full technical review of the estate before it hits the market. "We intend to carry out thorough integrity and structural assessments on all buildings and associated infrastructure to confirm their safety and suitability for habitation," he said.

The Ministry also announced plans to invest in essential infrastructure like internal roads, drainage systems, police posts, shopping centres, and recreational facilities to transform the once-tainted estate into a livable community.

“The public sale will be transparent and competitive,” Dangiwa assured. “We will publish a nationwide advertisement and use the Renewed Hope Portal to invite expressions of interest from Nigerians far and wide.”

A Win for Transparency and Public Accountability

Mr. Olukoyede emphasized that the move signals a new era of accountability in asset recovery and management. “This handover shows the real impact of our fight against financial crimes. These properties belong to the people and must be returned for public benefit,” he stated.

He also praised President Tinubu for providing an environment where anti-corruption efforts can succeed, and thanked the judiciary for ensuring that justice is not only done—but seen to be done.

With plans already underway for inspection, evaluation, and sale, the estate once built on alleged corruption is now poised to become a beacon of justice—and a dream home for hundreds of Nigerians.

Could You Be One of the Lucky Buyers?

With a promised fair and open application process, everyday Nigerians now stand a chance to own a piece of real estate history—literally built on reclaimed loot. The question is: will you be ready when the portal opens?