Senator Shehu Sani urges FG to allocate seized Abuja properties to educational institutions

DDM News

Former Nigerian senator, Shehu Sani, has urged the Federal Government to allocate seized houses to educational institutions.

He made this appeal on Sunday, May 25, 2025, through a statement shared on his official social media page, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports.

Senator Sani said the 753 recovered houses in Abuja should be distributed among Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

He noted that the number of houses is sufficient to go around and benefit various institutions nationwide.

The former lawmaker emphasized that each institution should decide how to make the best use of the properties.

According to him, this gesture would support education and also preserve the historical background of the properties.

He stated that future generations could learn from the origin of the houses and the efforts that led to their recovery.

In his words, “They can decide what they want to do with it. The future generation will learn from the history.”

The properties were recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2024 after a court order.

The estate, located in Abuja, was linked to former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele and spans 150,000 square meters.

It comprises 753 housing units, including duplexes and apartments, situated in a high-value district of the Federal Capital Territory.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the EFCC described the recovery as its largest since the agency was established in 2003.

On December 2, 2024, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court issued a final forfeiture order on the estate.

The judgment officially transferred ownership of the properties to the Federal Government, allowing it to decide their fate.

Following the court ruling, the Federal Government revealed plans to sell the houses to low- and middle-income Nigerians.

Officials said proceeds from the sale would support national development and help bridge Nigeria’s housing deficit.

However, Senator Sani’s proposal shifts the conversation from financial gain to long-term educational benefits.

He argued that repurposing the houses for education would address serious infrastructure challenges faced by many institutions.

He suggested that the buildings could serve as staff quarters, research centers, or student hostels.

Sani believes this move would symbolize justice and reinforce lessons in public accountability and transparency for Nigerians.

He emphasized that such decisions should prioritize the future of the country’s youth and its educational sector.

His appeal has sparked discussions among citizens who have taken various positions on the issue.

While some support the idea of educational redistribution, others believe selling the property remains a more viable economic option.

As of the time of reporting, the Federal Government has not issued an official response to Senator Sani’s recommendation.

Nonetheless, his remarks have added a powerful voice to the ongoing debate over the management of recovered national assets.

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