Massive Property Scandal: FG Offers 753 Recovered Emefiele Homes To Citizens

The Federal Government has finalized plans to sell a vast housing estate linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to low- and middle-income Nigerians.

According to court filings by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), obtained by Punch, the estate—comprising 753 residential units—was recovered by the agency in December 2024. This recovery, covering over 150,000 square metres and including duplexes and other residential types, is reportedly the EFCC’s largest single asset recovery since its establishment in 2003.

The Federal Capital Territory High Court, presided over by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, issued a final forfeiture order on December 2, 2024. In an attempt to reclaim the property in April 2025, Emefiele approached the court, arguing that the EFCC withheld information about the proceedings despite ongoing interactions concerning other charges. The court, however, dismissed his application.

On May 20, 2025, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede officially handed over the 753 housing units to Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.

In an interview with Punch, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, confirmed that the government, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to make the estate accessible to average Nigerians. He stated that the estate remains under construction, and assessments of the structures will be conducted before finalizing sale procedures.

Haiba explained that the houses would be profiled, and modalities for sale—favoring inclusive homeownership—would follow. “The minister’s vision has consistently been homeownership for all Nigerians, especially low and middle-income earners,” he said.

Regarding sales, he noted that the ministry’s dedicated portal, renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng, would be used to ensure transparency. He also emphasized that payment plans would be flexible, including mortgage options, installment payments, and rent-to-own schemes.

Haiba dismissed claims that the homes would be reserved for political elites, saying: “People speculate based on past experiences, but the Renewed Hope administration is focused on transparency and fairness. The portal minimizes human interference and promotes equal opportunity for all Nigerians.”