An Abuja-based lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to closely monitor the process that would lead to the disbursement of 753 recovered duplexes the anti-graft agency handed over to the Federal Ministry of Housing.
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In a statement on Wednesday, May 21, Olajengbesi commended EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for his transparency in the handling of the loot recovered from a top ex-government official last December.
Olajengbesi saluted Olukoyede for heeding the call to give out the recovered property to Nigerians and augment the housing deficit in the country.
Recall that Olajengbesi had in December asked the EFCC to hand over the property to doctors and low-level civil servants who battle with housing needs, especially after retirement.
The lawyer, however, said the work of the EFCC is not done, warning that only the cronies of those in government would benefit from the recovered loot if the process for the distribution of the duplexes is not closely monitored.
Olajengbesi said, “Special commendation to the EFCC boss, Ola Olukoyede, for his transparent and selfless disposition in the recovery of loots so far.
“However, the work of the anti-graft agency is not done with the handover to the Ministry of Housing. Given the intractable corruption and lack of transparency and accountability that have become an ugly trademark in most ministries of government, the EFCC should painstakingly monitor the allocation of the recovered loot. This would go a long way to ensuring that cronies of government officials are not the only ones who would usurp the recovered duplexes.
“Also, an independent committee should be set up to include certified estate valuers, auditors, civil society organisations, respected activists, lawyers, religious leaders, diligent EFCC officers, and officials of the Housing Ministry. This is to ensure high-level transparency and accountability in the process.”
Olukoyede, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, handed over the 753 units of houses recovered by the Commission at Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.
The property, measuring 150,500 square metres and containing 753 Units of duplexes and other apartments, was recovered based on a final forfeiture order granted by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Abuja on Monday, December 2, 2024.
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