Civil servants stealing money to build estates they couldn’t complete – EFCC boss gives damning revelation

Appalled by what Nigerian civil servants get involved, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, have revealed that most civil servants steal money to build estates.

He said most estates in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT are owned by civil servants who use stolen money and later abandoned them

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Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at a policy dialogue organised by Law Corridor with the theme, “Critical Issues Affecting Nigeria’s Real Estate Ecosystem.”

The EFCC boss revealed that a special team has been set up by him to start visiting estates and properties that have been abandoned for 10 years with a view to take further steps.

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According to him, the special team will start visiting those abandoned properties and estates not only in Abuja, but Lagos and elsewhere so as to investigate their owners.

“Nobody knows what is going on. What we have been able to gather is that most of these estates were funded by civil servants who have stolen money.

“The moment they leave public service, and the money is no longer coming, they abandon the estate. Then, the developer will start looking for investors to support them to complete the project.”

Olukoyede said the agency has had cause to file for forfeiture for about 15 estates in recent times.

“We have gotten more intelligence, too. Some of you sitting in this room, probably some of those estates belong to you,” he said.

“But very soon, we expect to meet you in court because there is no way we will develop this sector if we continue with that attitude. I know some of you have your genuine source of capital.”

He warned lawyers and real estate developers not to lend themselves as willing tools in the hands of those who engage in money laundering.

Afam Osigwe, president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said there is a need for a centralised system that would enhance the verification of ownership of properties in the country.

Osigwe also warned that the arbitrary revocation of land titles due to alleged failure to pay ground rent could scare away foreign investors.

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