Federal Housing Ministry Warns Public Against Fraud Over Confiscated 753-Unit Estate
Abuja, May 24, 2025 –
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has cautioned Nigerians to beware of scammers falsely claiming to sell units within the recently confiscated 753-unit housing estate linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
In a press statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, the ministry stressed that it has not commenced any sale process regarding the estate and warned that any claims suggesting otherwise are fraudulent.
The ministry disclosed that the estate was only recently handed over to it by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The statement noted that some fraudsters are already soliciting N500,000 from unsuspecting Nigerians for a fake "expression of interest" form to purchase the houses.
“The ministry has not authorised any individual or group to collect money or issue forms. There is no sale process in place at this time,” the statement clarified.
The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has announced plans to set up a technical committee tasked with assessing the condition of the estate. The committee will conduct a full physical and structural integrity test on the buildings, evaluate infrastructure needs, and recommend a suitable strategy for the estate’s completion and eventual disposal.
“The houses will be completed and necessary infrastructure provided before they are offered to the public or considered for government use,” the ministry assured.
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, accountable, and inclusive process under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and promised that clear public announcements would be made before any official sales begin.
Nigerians are advised to contact the Ministry’s Department of Public Building and Housing Development or the Press and Public Relations Unit for clarification and to avoid falling victim to scammers.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely solely on official communications from the Ministry,” the statement concluded.
