Abandoned Estates in Abuja Linked to Civil Servants, EFCC Investigation Reveals.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered that numerous abandoned estates in Abuja are allegedly owned by civil servants who are suspected of using stolen public funds to finance these projects.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede revealed this information at a policy dialogue organized by Law Corridor in Abuja. He stated that the agency has established a special task force to investigate the ownership of these properties across the nation. Many of these estates have been left uncompleted or deserted for more than a decade, which has raised suspicions regarding their funding sources.

“It will shock you that some of these estates have been abandoned for 10 to 20 years. Most were funded by civil servants who stole public funds. Once they exit service and the money stops coming, they abandon the project,” Olukoyede stated.

The EFCC has already initiated forfeiture proceedings against 15 estates and plans to prosecute additional suspects based on new intelligence. Olukoyede issued a warning, stating, “Some of you in this room may own some of these estates. We are coming for you.”

He urged lawyers and real estate developers to avoid enabling money laundering, emphasizing that unethical practices hinder sector growth. Olukoyede also criticized Nigeria’s dependence on cash transactions, asserting that it promotes corruption.

“How does a level 17 officer earning less than a million naira monthly own a N500 million mansion?” Olukoyede questioned, advocating for systemic reforms in property financing and improved oversight to combat illicit wealth.