The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday officially handed over 753 housing units linked to a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

The sprawling property, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, spans 150,500 square metres and consists of duplexes and other apartments. It was recovered following a final forfeiture order granted by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on December 2, 2023.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who led the handover at a brief ceremony in Abuja, described the transfer as a demonstration of transparency and accountability in the handling of recovered assets. He stressed that looted public resources must be returned to benefit Nigerians rather than falling back into the hands of criminals.

“This handover is to demonstrate to Nigerians that whatever proceeds of crime we have recovered, the application of that will be made transparent, so we do not allow looted assets to be looted again,” Olukoyede said.

He added that depriving corrupt individuals of the benefits of their crimes is essential to sustaining the momentum in the anti-corruption war. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to combating economic and financial crimes.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, received the keys to the estate and commended the EFCC for its sustained efforts in asset recovery. He said the ministry would ensure the property is put to productive use for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

“This handover marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to ensure that recovered assets are not only safeguarded but also utilised to address the housing needs of our citizens,” Dangiwa said.