The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it has begun selling the 753 housing units recently forfeited to it by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, cautioning Nigerians against dealing with unauthorised agents.
According to The PUNCH, the warning was issued in a statement released in Abuja on Saturday and signed by Badamasi Haiba, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no sales of the 753 units of houses have commenced by the ministry,” the statement read.
“We urge members of the public not to fall victim to scammers disguising as official auctioneers.”
The properties, which were seized by the EFCC and formally handed over in May 2025, had been slated for public sale through what the ministry previously described as a “transparent and competitive process” under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Haiba explained that the disclaimer became necessary after the ministry discovered that a company had been circulating letters and proposals claiming it had been appointed to auction the houses. The firm was allegedly asking unsuspecting citizens and institutions to purchase “Expression of Interest” forms as a prerequisite to buying the properties.
“The ministry has not engaged any individual or corporate organisation to dispose of the 753 units. When the sale is to begin, a clear and adequate announcement will be made, spelling out the strategy as directed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Haiba assured.
He further advised that all enquiries regarding the estate should be directed only to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development — through its Departments of Public Building and Housing Development, and Press and Public Relations — to avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
“We want to reassure the public that everything will be done in line with due process. People should please verify directly from the ministry before committing funds,” Haiba added.
