The recent recovery of 753 duplexes forfeited to the Federal Government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sparked a wave of criticism from Nigerians.
Recall that the unconfirmed indications by a Human rights activist and convener of #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore, emerged that the property belonged to the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
In a post on his Twitter, Sowore claimed that the building situated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja belonged to Emefiele but the EFCC was protecting his name by not mentioning it.
In an update, the former presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections said, “I just heard from the grapevine that the 753 duplexes forfeited by an FCT court in Apo belong to Muhammadu Buhari’s CBN gov, Godwin Emefiele”.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, on Monday, ordered the final forfeiture of the estate in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, measuring 150,500 square metres and containing 753 Units of duplexes and other apartments.
The EFCC said in a release that this was the single largest asset recovery by the Commission since its inception in 2003.
The estate rests on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
Reacting, some Nigerians on social media expressed discontent.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Joe Igbokwe, in a Facebook post, slammed Emefiele over the allegation.
Sharing Emefiele’s picture merged with the image of the estate, Igbokwe wrote, “Fear and shame have enveloped me. What was on his mind? This one will enter Guiness Books of Records.
An X user, Ebere Anosike wrote, “If this were China, this Emefiele and Buhari would have faced firing squad for corruption. What is more shocking is the level of impunity, and also, the brazenry.”
Another user, Joshua, described the alleged act of Emefiele as wickedness.
He wrote, “$30 billion Fraud! As Emefiele was borrowing money for the government, he was diverting the funds to himself.
“Jude Bela in his YouTube video revealed that over $200 million approved for Covid 19 relief was siphoned into private accounts linked to Emefiele
“Wickedness!!”
On his part, Okoli Stephen Izuchukwu blasted the EFCC for trying to protect the image of the culprit.
He said, “Wow!! You wonder why EFCC secured judgement of forfeiture against the owner of the 753 duplex but refused to mention the owner’s name. The same EFCC that is always eager to exhibit Yahoo boys with placards. Nigeria is a very RICH country!”
Olusola Olawale wrote, “Yes. I support you. Shame on Buhari, Mr. anti corruption right under his nose, this man stole Nigeria dry. A bunch of the challenges we’re facing is as a result of his misrule and the unlimited powers he gave to Emefiele. Emefiele is another Abacha. Thank God Buhari is alive.”
A tweep, Balinga opined, “Only a CBN governor owns this property! the secret became public cause of Emefiele’s personal roles in last election people who steal more than that are still there…. it only becomes public when a wrong persons do it.”
Another user, Olamide Oni, urged the anti-graft agency to reveal the identity of the culprit for accountability.
He said, “For this recovery to resonate fully with the public, the EFCC must prioritize transparency and accountability. The magnitude of this recovery demands full disclosure— we demand details and the official’s identity be made public. Without these, trust in the system risks eroding.
“Kudos to the EFCC for their efforts, but the fight against corruption demands holistic reforms and accountability at every step to inspire genuine public trust.”
However, Bambo cautioned Sowore for sharing the information saying, “Mr. Sowore, sir, you said you heard from the grapevine, and now you’re emphasizing a name based on rumors? Haba!
“Please get your facts straight before raining fire and brimstone. The grapevine is not a reliable source, abeg.”
