Court orders EFCC to release 27 properties wrongly seized

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release 27 houses earlier seized by the commission over alleged links to unlawful activities.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order while delivering judgment in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, which was originally filed by the EFCC.

The anti-graft agency had obtained an interim forfeiture order on March 13, claiming the properties were acquired with proceeds of crime. Following the publication of the order in The Punch on April 4, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his firm, Jamec West African Limited, laid claim to 26 of the properties. Another claimant, Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, asserted ownership of House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.

They all filed objections to the EFCC’s bid for a final forfeiture order. In a judgment delivered on October 31, Justice Abdulmalik upheld their objections, dismissed the EFCC’s application, set aside the earlier interim forfeiture order, and directed the commission to release the properties without delay.

The judge ruled that Okwete’s affidavit to show cause had “merit,” adding that the EFCC did not object to Oladapo’s claim to the Wuse property.
“I forthwith set aside and vacate in its entirety the interim order of forfeiture granted on March 13, 2025,” she held.

She further declared the EFCC’s motion for final forfeiture “otiose.”

Despite the court’s clear orders, counsel to Okwete and Jamec Ltd, Serekowei Larry (SAN), has petitioned the EFCC Chairman, alleging non-compliance by the agency.

In a letter dated November 27, Larry reminded the commission that the judgment delivered in the presence of EFCC counsel, led by Maryam Hayatudeen, had not been obeyed.