The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has warned Nigerians to beware of fraudsters exploiting the recent takeover of the 753-unit housing estate linked to former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The Ministry clarified that no sale process has begun and urged the public to be vigilant against scammers demanding money for fake forms.
In a statement titled “Confiscated 753-Unit Housing Estate Not on Sale Yet, Beware of Scammers,” the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, said on X:
“The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development wishes to alert the general public that it has not yet commenced any process for the sale of the 753-unit housing estate linked to former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, which it has taken custody of from the EFCC.”
The Ministry warned that scammers have been asking Nigerians to pay N500,000 for a non-existent expression of interest form, claiming to sell slots from the housing ministry.
“For avoidance of doubt, the Ministry has just taken over the estate from the EFCC as directed by Mr. President,” the statement added.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has announced plans to set up a technical committee to assess the estate. The Ministry said, “The Hon Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, had announced that the Ministry would set up a technical committee to carry out physical assessment of the facility, conduct integrity test of the buildings, ascertain the infrastructure needs, and finally come up with the disposal strategy.”
The Ministry assured that a clear announcement on the sale would be made, as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
“The public is hereby informed that the Ministry will give a clear and adequate announcement, as well as strategy outlined for the sales of the houses,” the statement said.
The Ministry urged Nigerians to contact its officials directly for clarification before committing any funds. “The general public is therefore warned not to fall victim to fraudsters, and are advised to directly contact the Ministry’s officials for clarification before they commit any resource as regards to the purchase of the houses,” it stated.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency, the Ministry concluded, “The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that the process is guided by transparency, public accountability, and inclusivity, while delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the housing sector.”
