FG warns against fraudulent sale of 753-unit housing estate linked to Emefiele

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has issued a strong public warning, distancing itself from fraudulent claims surrounding the sale of a 753-unit housing estate recently recovered from Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The Ministry, in a statement signed by Badamasi Haiba, Director of Press and Public Relations, clarified that it had not commenced any sales process for the estate, contrary to false claims circulating among unsuspecting Nigerians.

According to the Ministry, criminal elements have been soliciting payments from the public under the guise of offering slots in the estate.

The fraudsters are said to be demanding up to N500,000 from potential victims for fake “Expression of Interest” forms, falsely claiming ties to the Ministry.

“The Ministry is yet to begin any sale process. As directed by Mr. President, the estate will be completed, infrastructure provided, and a proper disposal strategy announced in due course”, the statement read.

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The property, located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was only recently handed over to the Ministry by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following directives from President Bola Tinubu.

Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, also revealed that a Technical Committee would soon be established to assess the estate.

“The Committee will evaluate the structural integrity of the buildings, determine infrastructure requirements, and recommend the most effective disposal method”, he added.

He reiterated that any eventual sale of the estate would be conducted transparently and publicly in accordance with the principles of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Tinubu’s Administration.

The Ministry urged members of the public to disregard any unofficial communications regarding the estate and to direct inquiries only to its Public Building and Housing Development departments or the Press and Public Relations unit.

“We urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to fraudsters,” the Ministry advised. The Ministry, however, noted that the public would be duly informed once the sale process formally begins.