The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele used three companies to pay N2.2 billion for a sprawling estate in Abuja, containing 753 duplexes. The estate, located in the Apo area of Abuja, has now been forfeited to the Nigerian government.
According to the EFCC, the three companies linked to Emefiele are Ice Frozen Food & Ventures, Kelvito Integrated Service, and Ifeadigo Integrated Services. These companies were allegedly used to launder funds and disguise the unlawful origin of the money used to acquire the property.
The EFCC's investigation revealed that the property was initially allocated to Windermere Nigeria Limited in 2010 for mass housing development. However, Emefiele and his associates allegedly acquired the property using the three companies.
Emefiele has been embroiled in several controversies, including allegations of procurement fraud and corrupt practices during his tenure as CBN governor. He has been arraigned in court on multiple charges, including conferment of corrupt advantages, conspiracy, and forgery.
The EFCC's efforts to recover proceeds of crime and combat corruption have yielded significant results, including the forfeiture of the Abuja estate. The commission's actions demonstrate its commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.