By John Umeh
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has launched a strong legal battle against the Federal Government’s plan to sell a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, which he claims was wrongfully seized and belongs to him. The property, considered one of the biggest real estate seizures in Nigeria’s anti-corruption history, is currently at the center of a controversial legal and political storm.
In a dramatic twist to his ongoing legal troubles, Emefiele has filed a formal Notice of Appeal challenging the final forfeiture order granted by the Federal Capital Territory High Court. He also submitted a Motion on Notice to set aside the forfeiture judgment, describing the court’s decision as a “gross violation of his fundamental right to fair hearing.”
A Contested Property: Billion-Naira Estate Under Scrutiny
The estate in question—comprising over 753 housing units sprawled across more than 150,000 square meters—was declared forfeited to the Federal Government in December 2024 by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claimed the estate was acquired through illicit means linked to Emefiele’s tenure at the apex bank. The commission described the asset as the “largest single real estate recovery” in its operational history.
However, Emefiele insists that he was not given prior notice of the proceedings, and that the EFCC deliberately withheld critical information from the court. According to him, the forfeiture was obtained “in secrecy” and lacked the legal transparency required by Nigerian law. His legal team argues that the trial court had no jurisdiction to issue the order, especially in an ex parte application where the alleged owner was not represented.
FG’s Planned Sale Triggers Uproar
Despite Emefiele’s pending appeal, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has announced plans to sell the disputed estate to low- and middle-income Nigerians. Officials claim the initiative is part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and promote social equity.
This move, however, has sparked sharp criticism from legal analysts and civil society organizations. Many argue that selling a property that is still under legal dispute amounts to contempt of court. Some have called the government’s decision “a reckless subversion of due process”, warning that it could undermine the rule of law and erode public confidence in judicial fairness.
Legal and Political Implications
Emefiele’s appeal raises significant constitutional questions, including the balance between anti-corruption enforcement and individual rights. His legal team has emphasized that the case is not just about reclaiming property, but about ensuring that “no Nigerian is punished without due process.” They contend that if the forfeiture is allowed to stand without hearing from Emefiele, it sets a dangerous precedent for arbitrary asset seizures.
Political observers also note that the case could influence public perception of the current administration’s anti-corruption campaign. While the government has projected the forfeiture and sale as a win for accountability, critics argue that due process must not be sacrificed in the name of expediency.
A Legal Battle That Could Reshape Asset Recovery in Nigeria
The dispute over the 753-unit estate has now evolved into a critical legal battle that could have lasting implications on Nigeria’s asset recovery procedures. Emefiele’s challenge, centered on allegations of procedural injustice and abuse of power, underscores the need for transparency and fairness in the fight against corruption.
As the appeal makes its way through the courts, both the fate of the estate and the legitimacy of the government’s approach to asset forfeiture hang in the balance. For now, Emefiele remains defiant, vowing to exhaust every legal avenue to reclaim what he insists is rightfully his.
