Many residents of Osborne Road, a posh area of Ikoyi, Lagos State, will never forget the day the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), raided two apartments in the area.
During a sting operation, the operatives uncovered a whopping $43 million in cash which was put at over N15 billion based on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) exchange rate.
NEXT EDITION’s correspondent, Yusuf Mohammed, was dispatched to the area to find out what residents felt when such humongous amount of money was discovered in a building close to them while they battle with economic recession.
Before the last haul of the cash was taken out of the building, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), made a claim for the money, thus triggering another round of controversy. It was exactly three days after the EFCC discovered the huge hoard of cash, the NIA’s Director-General, Ayodele Oke, came out screaming the money belonged to his agency.
Mr. Oke’s claim introduced a bizarre twist to the unfolding drama. He said the funds were kept for “covert operations,” a claim the EFCC would not swallow.
But many residents of Osborne Road, just like many Nigerians, do not believe the ongoing narrative in the media. They do not also trust the NIA and the Presidency, on the matter.
In Obalende, which is close to the infamous Osborne Towers, our correspondent said there was no okada man or tricycle rider, who did not know about the recovered funds.
“That building was a tourist attraction for about a week after that amount was discovered. People from various places came and were taking pictures. Even if you ask a child, he will lead you to the thief building,” an unidentified commuter told our correspondent.
Asked why he referred to it as thief building, he blurted angrily, “Don’t you know that’s what we call that place? We call it thief building or house of thieves.”
While taking our correspondent around the area, an okada rider, Haliru Tanko, painted the mood of the people of the area on the day the EFCC made the startling discovery.
According to him, it was a mixed feeling of excitement and anger. But after the initial excitement and shock waned, the people became traumatized due to the huge amount involved.
“Wallahi, (I swear by God) if you were here that day, you would feel what we felt. One moment we were excited and shocked at the same time, the next moment it was like we were mourning the death of a great man because we couldn’t believe, while we are suffering day and night to feed ourselves and family, people who don’t work as hard as we do were hiding this kind of money? What have we done to deserve this?” he queried.
While still discussing with Mr. Tanko, a middle-aged who gave his name simply as Felix, joined and said he lives close to the apartment the funds were uncovered.
“I wasn’t around that day but when I came back I heard everyone around talking about it. I have been hearing that stolen funds are being recovered almost every day but I didn’t know the gravity until that day,” said Mr. Felix.
“Let me tell you the truth, I am not happy. As I speak with you, I don’t have anything in my pocket. Do you know how it feels for N15 billion to be kept so close to you yet you are suffering?” he asked.
Pointing to a house adjacent the building where the money was stashed, he said, “If you want to get proper information go to Hussein, he is a security man who guards the house close to the thief building,” referring to the Osborn Tower.
When contacted, Hussein Ahmadu, a private security guarding the gates of one of the apartments close to the Osborn Towers, said he had gone to market when the EFCC raided the building.
But on his return, he said he noticed several cars driving in and out of the compound unlike in the past when only cars, largely owned by flat occupants would come in and go out of the apartment.
“My brother was around and he saw everything. I know that rich people stay in that building but I never believed that that kind of money would be kept there. Since the day EFCC came here, people who live in the building are no longer comfortable,” Mr. Ahmadu said.
When they are leaving the compound, they come out with speed. When they are going in, they horn very loud for the security to open the gates quickly.”
Another resident who identified himself as Babangida told NEXT EDITION, “If not for Buhari, how would we have known that that kind of money was here. Buhari isn’t perfect and the economy is bad but we need to commend the him for exposing these kinds of things.”
A construction worker, Victor, who is involved in erecting another edifice like the Osborne Tower, said anyone found guilty should face the full weight of the law.
“If a boy on the street steals ordinary garri or akara out of hunger he will be beaten to death, but these people who steal far more than that would be given special treatment,” he argued.
“Thief na thief (stealing is the same) and enough is enough. See me and my colleagues; we have been working under the hot sun since morning. The money they will pay us isn’t enough but what can we do?
“We need to survive so we don’t really have a choice. But look at those people stealing our money. They are rich and comfortable, their children are in the best schools either in Nigeria or abroad and yet, they still our money.”
Similarly, Mustapha, who sells Castle Magazine on Osborne Road, was of the view that anyone who kept the money should be treated like a criminal irrespective of his or her status.
“A thief is a thief no matter who the thief is. My people were dying in Borno State because of Boko Haram and they said the money was for security matter. What nonsense?” he asked.
“If I’m given a little of that money I know what I can do for myself, family and community. Most of our leaders are just heartless.”
When asked further questions, he said, “I don’t want to speak on that matter again because it makes me angry. Please Oga journalist ask me some other questions.”
It took a long wait for our correspondent to talk to one of the occupants of the building and this was after many failed attempts.
“Please do not mention my name or take photos of me or my vehicle,” the tenant of the luxury apartment pleaded.
Asked if he was aware neighbours called his compound “house of thieves,” he said he was not aware of any name calling but noticed the way people looked at anyone leaving the premises.
He said, “The way they look at us is really bad. I haven’t been comfortable since that incident. Not everyone who lives there is a thief but how do we want to explain to the layman on the street?
“I am calling on the government to act fast so that this case can be put to rest. By God’s grace, if my rent expires I will leave this place. There is already a bad name attached to this building which will take a long time to go away.
“My fear is that there should be no riot in Nigeria because of corruption because this building has been given negative publicity and we may be an easy target. I get scared whenever I hear any noise outside. It is the same for everyone here.”
