Federal high court in Abuja has directed Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release 27 properties previously seized under an interim forfeiture order.
Gatekeepers News reports that Presiding Judge Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, noting that the property owners had successfully challenged the commission’s bid for final forfeiture.
EFCC had obtained the interim forfeiture order on March 13, claiming the assets were acquired through unlawful means.
After the order was published in the Punch newspaper on April 4, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his firm, Jamec West African Limited, claimed ownership of 26 properties, while Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo declared interest in House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja. The parties filed affidavits opposing the EFCC’s application for permanent forfeiture.
In her October 31 judgement, Abdulmalik upheld the property owners’ claims, vacated the interim forfeiture order, and dismissed the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture. “I firmly find that the property owner/respondent’s (Okwete’s) affidavit to show cause has merit,” she stated. Regarding Oladapo’s property, the court noted that the EFCC had raised no objection and affirmed her claim in full.
The judge ordered the immediate release of all the properties and their documents. She ruled, “Without more, I forthwith set aside and vacate in its entirety the interim order of forfeiture granted on 13th March 2025…”
“Accordingly, I order the immediate release of the aforementioned properties/its documents to the property owner/respondent and House No. 12, Fandriana Close… to Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, respectively”. Abdulmalik further noted that the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture had become otiose.
Despite the court order, lawyers representing Okwete and Jamec West Africa Limited have accused the EFCC of failing to comply.
In a November 27 letter to EFCC Chairman Serekowei Larry, the legal team described the commission’s actions as “blatantly disobeying” the judgement.
They stated that certified copies of the judgement were served on the EFCC on November 14, and enforcement officials were denied the documents during a visit on November 26.
The lawyers warned that disregarding court orders undermines the rule of law and called on the EFCC to act promptly, adding that property owners expect “positive reactions within a reasonable time before we take further steps.”
