Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned two officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority before Justice B.M. Bassi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Jabi, Abuja, over the alleged illegal sale of four government-owned staff houses in the Federal Capital Territory. The defendants, Folashade Oketope and Mohammed Kabir Usman, were brought before the court on Monday, July 13, 2026, on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and corruption, according to a statement issued by the EFCC's spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Wednesday. The anti-graft agency alleged that the two public officials abused their positions by fraudulently disposing of Federal Capital Territory staff houses allocated to the FCDA.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants unlawfully sold Houses 3, 4, 7, and 8 located on Plot 756, Abubakar Usman Crescent, Jabi District, Abuja, to private individuals between 2024 and 2025. The EFCC accused Oketope and Usman of being entrusted with dominion over the properties and dishonestly misappropriating or converting them to their own use by unlawfully selling them, an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004, and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act. The prosecution further alleged that the defendants corruptly received gratification to facilitate the transactions. In count three of the charge, Oketope allegedly received N5 million, while Usman allegedly collected N4 million from one Anthony Ezekwugo as an inducement to secure the arbitrary sale of the houses. This conduct, the EFCC stated, contravened Section 8(a)(ii) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and is punishable under Section 8(ii) of the same Act.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all three charges when they were read in court. Following their plea, prosecution counsel, F.S. Mohammed, urged the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case. However, defence counsel, L. Ojinma, applied for bail on their behalf. Justice Bassi granted each defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with one reliable surety. The court ruled that each surety must reside within the Federal Capital Territory, provide evidence of ownership of landed property in the FCT, depose to an affidavit of means, and submit recent passport photographs. Pending the fulfilment of these bail conditions, Justice Bassi ordered that Oketope be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre, while Usman was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until October 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The arraignment underscores the EFCC's continued efforts to investigate and prosecute corruption in the management of public assets, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory. The illegal sale of government staff houses is a recurring issue that has drawn public outcry, as it deprives public servants of essential accommodation and undermines public trust in government institutions. The trial, scheduled to begin on October 21, 2026, will be closely watched as a test of the government's resolve to hold public officials accountable for abuses of office.
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