A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate release of 27 properties that were previously confiscated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the EFCC (FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025), which had initially obtained an ex parte interim forfeiture order on March 13, 2025, alleging that the properties were purchased with proceeds of unlawful acts.
Following the publication of the interim forfeiture order in the Punch newspaper on April 4, 2025, property owners James Ikechukwu Okwete and his company, Jamec West African Limited, claimed ownership of 26 of the properties. Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo also came forward in relation to House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.
The court upheld the objections of Okwete, Jamec Ltd, and Oladapo in its October 31 judgment, dismissing the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture, vacating the interim forfeiture order, and ordering the immediate return of the properties.
“I firmly find that the property owner/respondent’s (Okwete’s) affidavit to show cause has merit… Accordingly, I order the immediate release of the aforementioned properties/its documents to the property owner/respondent and the House No. 12 Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja, FCT to Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, respectively,” Justice Abdulmalik ruled.
Despite the court order, Okwete’s lawyer, Serekowei Larry (SAN), has written to the EFCC Chairman alleging non-compliance. In a letter dated November 27, Larry noted that the EFCC had failed to hand over the properties’ title documents, despite the court’s directive for their immediate release.
“In straight words, your office refused to do so, thereby blatantly disobeying the said judgment… We anticipate your positive reactions within a reasonable time before we take further steps,” the letter stated.
The development highlights ongoing concerns over the enforcement of court judgments and the accountability of government agencies in property seizure matters.
