Former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu
Mu’azu, has admitted that the building where operatives of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) found $50million, was actually built by him.
Mu’azu had initially disowned
the Lagos apartments, where the monies were discovered.
However, in a statement released on Thursday, the former
Bauchi Governor insisted that he sold the apartments through established agents
and does not know who current occupants.
It reads: “My attention has been drawn to the news making
the rounds that I own the building on No.16 Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. I want
to state clearly that I built the said property and sold to prospective buyers
of individual flats. I have been a property developer since 1983 and I have
developed and sold several properties all over the world.
“The property in question happens to be one of them. I
acquired the land and jointly developed it using a bank loan I obtained about
nine years ago. However, all the flats have been sold to prospective buyers in
order to pay back the loan. I do not own or occupy any of the apartments.
“I sold all the apartments through established estate agents
as such I have no knowledge or interest in who purchases or rents any of the
flats”.
Mu’azu also commended the efforts of the federal government
in fighting corruption.
“I commend the efforts of the official of the EFCC and the
government’s drive at fighting corruption and also the media in informing the
public on illicit and corrupt proceeds.
“My response is not intended to jeopardise or interfere with
the ongoing investigation of the anti-graft and security agencies but to clear
the misconception that the house in question belongs to me. I strongly believe
that the efforts being made will surely unveil the real owner of such flat and
the monies recovered,” he said.
By Ifreke Inyang
