ICPC Probe: 'Super Rich' Civil Servants Selling Their Properties To Avoid Trace

 

The sale of houses in Abuja has increased by 30 percent since the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari. This increase is not far from the activities of 'super rich' civil servants who are trying hard to cover up for acts of embezzlement perpetrated in the previous administration.

 

According PUNCH reports, the Independent Corrupt Practices, ICPC and other related offences Commission have started confisticating some buildings belonging to public servants whose earnings don't correspond with their assets.

 

The corrupt civil servants have reportedly flooded the Abuja market with exotic cars and houses to ward off suspicions. Wealthy buyers have been responding promptly to the purchase of the items.

 
It was initially reported that the ICPC had seized 24 landed properties belonging to three officers of the Niger Delta Ministry. It stated that the properties were seized because they were “excessive of the emoluments of the affected officers.”

The commission had also explained that the properties were seized in pursuant to Section 45 (4) a – (b) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2000.

The ICPC had, among others, said:

“Whereas the commission is investigating a matter involving some staff of the Niger Delta ministry, wherein certain movable and immovable properties owned by the said staff are in issue. And whereas the commission is of the opinion based on the aforementioned investigation that these movable and immovable properties owned by these people who are staff of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs are excessive, having regard to their present emoluments and all other relevant circumstances.

“The commission hereby notifies the entire public that all movable and immovable properties owned by these staff and listed hereunder are seized.”

Real estate agents that spoke with PUNCH explained that some private individuals had started consulting real estate agents, requesting assistance in disposing of their properties.

“The probe has created panic. Private persons now consult us, requesting our assistance in helping them sell their properties. Of course, they won’t say they are trying to avoid probe, but most of us know that that is what they are avoiding,” an agent and member of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, who pleaded anonymity said.