Abuja, (EPICSTORIAN) – A Federal court ruling on Monday revealed that a vast estate in Abuja, consisting of 753 duplexes belonging to the former governor of CBN Godwin Emefiele, has been forfeited to the Nigerian government.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the property belongs to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Emefiele, who is facing multiple corruption charges, including allegations related to the controversial naira redesign policy.
According to a Nigeria media, Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore initially disclosed the connection on his Twitter timeline.
He criticized the EFCC for initially withholding Emefiele’s name, accusing the agency of selectively targeting minor offenders while protecting influential figures like the ‘corrupt politicians’.
Sowore pointed out that, in cases involving so-called “Yahoo boys,” the EFCC often publicizes their identities and possessions even before trial proceedings.
He further highlighted what he perceives as a disparity in the agency’s treatment of high-profile suspects versus lesser-known individuals. “If it were Yahoo boys, their laptops and phones would be paraded globally,” he tweeted. “But now, the EFCC seems afraid of big thieves.”
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, presiding over the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, ordered the forfeiture of the estate, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District.
The EFCC stated this marked its largest asset recovery since its inception in 2003. The next hearing in Emefiele’s case is scheduled for December 4, 2024, with further proceedings set for January 21, 2025.
Sowore, who is a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), remains vocal about the EFCC’s approach and Nigeria’s poor governance, including police brutality.
Nigeria’s Economic Context and Influence of Corruption
Nigeria, even as quoted Africa’s largest economy, faces significant challenges, including inflation, high unemployment, and a struggling currency, including burdens of constant borrowings.
Despite being rich in oil, mismanagement and corruption have hindered economic progress, pervading through all ‘government agencies’. Efforts by the EFCC and similar agencies aim to curb corruption, but the perception of selective justice remains a contentious issue among Nigerians.
