CORRUPT NIGERIANS INVEST IN ABUJA PROPERTIES---EFCC

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Lamorde says property acquisitions in Abuja have become avenues for money laundering by corrupt individuals.

Mr Lamode noted that evidence of the trend exists in the number of palatial but unoccupied houses within the Federal Capital Territory.
The EFCC Chairman raised the concern in Abuja, during a courtesy visit to the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed.

Mr Lamorde said the EFCC observed those involved in the nefarious act do not purchase properties with bank instrument but prefer to pay with cash in foreign currency, through Bureau de Change.
He added that over 270 cases of land scam were filed at the Commission in the last 3 years.
While suspecting insider abuse, Mr Lamorde urged the FCT Minister to investigate and initiate discipline erring officers.

Responding, the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, praised the harmonious relationship between the FCT Administration and anti-corruption agencies in stamping out corruption and leakages in the FCT especially on land premiums.

He listed the most brazen of the vices as land fraud adding that the EFCC has assisted in prosecuting the culprits.
Senator Mohammed noted that some former staff of the FCT were posing as staff of the FCTA and duping unsuspecting but desperate people. The minister disclosed that the FCTA was working with the Abuja Geographical Information System, AGIS to upgrade their system in such a manner that it would be difficult for anybody to impersonate, manipulate or forge land documents.