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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned two officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of illegal sale of government staff houses in the nation’s capital.
The defendants, whose identities were not immediately disclosed by the Commission, were accused of conniving to sell off residential properties belonging to the Federal Government without due process and approval.
According to the charge sheet read in court, the officials allegedly abused their positions within FCDA to facilitate the fraudulent disposal of several staff quarters located in strategic areas of Abuja.
EFCC prosecutors told the court that the actions of the defendants resulted in huge financial losses to the Federal Government and deprived legitimate civil servants of their rightful accommodation.
The Commission said investigations revealed that the houses were sold to private individuals at values far below government-approved rates, with proceeds allegedly diverted for personal gain.
Both defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, and obtaining property by false pretenses, all contrary to the EFCC Act and the Penal Code.
The presiding judge ordered that the accused persons be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing of their bail applications, which were scheduled for a later date.
Counsel for the EFCC assured the court that the Commission had gathered sufficient evidence, including documents and witness statements, to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
The arraignment is part of the EFCC’s ongoing crackdown on corruption in the management of federal assets. The Commission vowed to recover all illegally sold government properties and prosecute anyone found complicit, regardless of position.
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