ABUJA — A Federal High Court has approved the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)‘s request to seize plots of land tied to the uncompleted Goodluck Jonathan Legacy Model Housing Estate, amid a growing investigation into suspected large-scale housing fraud.
Justice Mohammed Umar granted the interim forfeiture of two Abuja plots worth over ₦5.2 billion, following claims that the land—allocated for 962 low-cost homes—remains undeveloped over a decade after a $65 million payment was made to the contractor.
Goodluck Jonathan Estate Land Forfeiture Linked to Housing Project Fraud
The court was told that the land in question, located in Cadastral Zone D12, Kaba District, was freely allocated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration for a national housing scheme through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). The ICPC argued that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activity and must be secured to prevent their sale to unsuspecting buyers.
ICPC counsel Osuobeni Akponimisingha told the court that despite a ₦14 billion payment to Good Earth Power Nigeria Limited—an unregistered developer—the estate remains a vacant lot, with no visible construction a decade later.
Developer Allegedly Received $65 Million Without Delivering a Single House
According to sworn statements by ICPC investigators, FMBN appointed the developer in 2012 to execute the “Goodluck Jonathan Legacy Model Housing Estate” but failed to enforce accountability. Investigators also revealed that Good Earth Power was paid in full before any structures were built, in violation of banking and housing standards.
The ICPC’s probe alleges that the developer was never registered with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, a key requirement for disbursement. Despite this, project funds were drawn down and disbursed, while the site has remained undeveloped for more than 12 years.
ICPC Moves to Secure Land Before It’s Sold Off Illegally
Intelligence gathered by the ICPC indicated that promoters of the company—believed to include American nationals—were making “clandestine efforts” to sell off the land. The agency feared that unless the court acted, the plots would vanish into private hands, as did the project funds.
The land, now estimated at over ₦200 billion in current value, was reportedly being marketed to unsuspecting members of the public. The ICPC asked the court to prevent this and to require public notice inviting anyone with interest to come forward before permanent forfeiture is granted.
Judge Questions Lack of Results Despite Full Project Payment
Justice Umar, in granting the interim order, expressed concern over the absence of results on the ground despite full disbursement. He adjourned the matter to October 27 for compliance reporting and publication of forfeiture notices.
The ICPC emphasized that the land seizure is separate from the ongoing criminal trial of Good Earth Power before another Federal High Court judge. The agency says the move is necessary to preserve public assets and safeguard federal housing investment.
