Sowore Accuses Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele of Owning Forfeited Abuja Estate with 753 Duplexes

Human rights activist and #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is the owner of a massive estate in Abuja comprising 753 duplexes. The estate was recently forfeited to the Nigerian government following a court ruling secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Sowore made the claim on Monday in a tweet shared on X.

Emefiele, currently facing multiple corruption charges, including controversies surrounding the naira redesign policy, is being tried at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja. Justice Maryann Anenih has adjourned his case to December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025, for further hearings.

Sowore criticized the EFCC for failing to name the “former top brass” behind the forfeited estate, describing the Commission as fearful of exposing powerful individuals while targeting less influential offenders. “The @officialEFCC is now doing PR for thieves. They seized this large estate with 753 duplexes from a single individual in Abuja but can’t mention his or her name,” Sowore wrote.

The estate, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, spans 150,500 square meters. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ordered its final forfeiture on Monday, citing the EFCC’s evidence that the property was acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.

In another post, Sowore highlighted the disparity in the EFCC’s treatment of cases involving prominent figures versus so-called “Yahoo boys,” accusing the Commission of parading petty suspects publicly while shielding influential offenders. He also criticized systemic corruption, noting that while citizens are told the government has no role in housing development, a “top brass” allegedly stole public funds to build 753 duplexes.

The EFCC described the estate’s forfeiture as the largest asset recovery in its history, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the corrupt do not benefit from illicit proceeds.