By Terkula Peter Sember
Abuja, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered further evidence in its ongoing corruption probe of Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari. During a search of Emefiele’s Lagos residence, investigators reportedly discovered a receipt for the roofing of a sprawling estate in Abuja.
On Monday, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court ordered the final forfeiture of an expansive property located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, to the federal government. The estate, covering an area of 150,500 square meters, consists of 753 duplexes and other apartments, making it one of the largest real estate recoveries in the nation’s history.
Although the EFCC did not officially disclose the estate’s owner, reports from Sahara Reporters, a media platform run by 2023 African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, linked the property to Emefiele. Sowore accused the EFCC of shielding influential individuals implicated in corruption, describing the agency as “protecting big thieves” while celebrating the recovery.
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In a statement, the EFCC acknowledged the asset’s significance as the largest single recovery since its inception in 2003. However, it remained tight-lipped about further details regarding the property’s ownership and its connection to ongoing investigations.
Emefiele, who is already embroiled in multiple corruption allegations, faces increased public scrutiny following these revelations. Critics argue that the discovery of the receipt strengthens claims that the former bank chief may have been involved in extensive financial impropriety during his tenure.
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As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians await clarity on the role of prominent figures in the management of public resources and the recovery of stolen assets.
