Court orders EFCC to release 27 seized properties amid non-compliance

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release 27 properties it wrongfully seized, ruling that the commission’s forfeiture application lacked merit and that its interim forfeiture order was invalid.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment on October 31 in case FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025.

The matter originated from an ex parte order obtained by the EFCC on March 13, in which the agency claimed the properties were proceeds of illicit activities.

The order was published on April 4, prompting the owners to challenge the forfeiture.

James Ikechukwu Okwete and Jamec West Africa Ltd. asserted ownership of 26 properties, while Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo claimed ownership of a house in Wuse 2, Abuja.

All three opposed the EFCC’s bid for a final forfeiture order.

Justice Abdulmalik upheld their claims, ruling that the affidavits submitted by the owners successfully established legitimate ownership.

She also noted that the EFCC did not contest Oladapo’s claim.

The court subsequently vacated the interim order and directed the EFCC to “immediately release” the properties and title documents to the rightful owners, describing the commission’s application for final forfeiture as “otiose.”

Despite the ruling, counsel to Okwete and Jamec West Africa Ltd., Serekowei Larry, SAN, has accused the EFCC of refusing to comply.

In a petition dated November 27 to the EFCC chairman, Larry said the judgment was delivered in the presence of EFCC lawyers but had yet to be obeyed.

He stated that officials from the Federal High Court Enforcement Unit visited the EFCC office on November 26 to retrieve the title documents but were allegedly turned back.

“In straight words, your office refused to do so, thereby blatantly disobeying the said judgment,” the petition reads, adding that such conduct undermines the rule of law.

Larry urged the EFCC chairman to intervene and ensure compliance, expressing hope that the non-compliance was not carried out with his approval.

The EFCC has not publicly responded to the allegations.