Shehu Sani Suggests Seized Emefiele Homes Be Distributed to Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has urged the federal government to repurpose the 753 properties seized from embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, by allocating them to Nigeria’s higher institutions and research bodies.

Sani made the suggestion in a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that distributing the forfeited properties to public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and research institutes would serve both a practical need and serve as a historic lesson.

“The 753 seized houses in Abuja should be shared to all Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and research institutes. It’s enough to go round,” he wrote.

“They can decide what they want to do with it. The future generation will learn from the history of the houses and appreciate the actions taken.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured final forfeiture of the 753 duplexes in December 2024, following a ruling by Justice Jude Onwegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

According to court documents, the properties are located in the Lokogoma district of Abuja and were linked to a real estate corruption case involving Godwin Emefiele, who is currently facing multiple charges related to his time at the helm of Nigeria’s apex bank.

In line with the court’s verdict, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has taken possession of the properties from the EFCC.

Sani’s proposal resonates with ongoing public calls for seized assets to be put to public use instead of lying dormant or being resold for profit.

The former lawmaker believes the symbolic gesture of handing over these homes to educational institutions will leave a powerful legacy, turning a dark chapter of corruption into a tool for national development.