EFCC Uncovers Civil Servants Behind Abandoned Abuja Estates Worth Billions
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that many abandoned estates in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, are linked to corrupt civil servants who allegedly used stolen public funds for their construction.
Speaking at a policy dialogue in Abuja themed *“Critical Issues Affecting Nigeria’s Real Estate Ecosystem”*, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said some of the estates have been left unfinished and deserted for over a decade.
“It will shock you that some of these estates have been abandoned for 10 to 20 years. Most were funded by civil servants who diverted public funds. Once they leave office and the illegal money stops flowing, they simply abandon the projects,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC has now created a special task force to investigate such properties nationwide. The anti-graft agency also warned lawyers, developers, and bankers against enabling money laundering through real estate transactions, stressing that offenders will face prosecution.
Olukoyede revealed that the EFCC has already initiated forfeiture proceedings for about 15 of these estates and gathered intelligence on others.
He also questioned how senior public officers, earning less than ₦1 million monthly, could afford mansions valued at ₦500 million, saying such cases show clear signs of corruption.
“We cannot build a healthy economy with this level of corruption and cash-based transactions. We must move towards a transparent credit system if Nigeria is to progress,” he added.
The EFCC boss called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and citizens to clean up Nigeria’s real estate sector and ensure accountability.
