COURT DIRECTS RELEASE OF 27 HOMES INCORRECTLY TAKEN BY EFCC

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to give back 27 houses that were taken without permission.

Judge Joyce Abdulmalik made this decision when she gave her ruling in a case called FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, which was started by the EFCC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC had, on March 13, obtained an ex parte interim forfeiture order against the 27 properties, which it said were acquired from proceeds of unlawful acts.

After publishing the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper on April 4, as directed by the court, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his company, Jamec West African Limited, went to court.

Okwete and his company said they owned the 26 properties, while Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo claimed an interest in House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Okwete, Jamec Ltd, and Oladapo opposed the EFCC’s later request to finally forfeit the assets.

On October 31, Justice Abdulmalik ruled in favor of their objection, rejected the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture, and canceled the previous interim forfeiture order.

The judge then told the commission to give the property back immediately.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik said, based on the evidence she reviewed, “I clearly believe that the property owner/respondent’s (Okwete‘s) affidavit to show cause is valid.

Additionally, I support Adebukunola Oladapo’s claim to House No: 12 Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja, FCT, because the applicant‘s senior counsel informed the court that they have no problem with her affidavit to show cause, so her entire affidavit is considered valid.

“Without more, I forthwith set aside and vacate in its entirety the interim order of forfeiture granted on 13th March, 2025, to the applicant in respect of the properties listed in the schedule attached to the applicant’s ex parte originating motion.

“Accordingly, I order the immediate release of the aforementioned properties/their documents to the property owner/respondent and the House No: 12 Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja, FCT, to Adebukunola Lyabode Oladapo, respectively.

“In that vein, the applicant’s motion for final forfeiture, along with the corresponding responses filed, are now otiose. I so hold,” Justice Abdulmalik said.

However, lawyer to Okwete and Jamec Ltd, Serekowei Larry, SAN, has written to the Chairman of the EFCC complaining about the commission’s alleged failure to comply with the judgment.

The lawyer, in a letter dated Nov. 27, urged the commission to immediately comply with the court order.