KEY POINTS
- EFCC warned for refusing to release 27 properties.
- Court had ordered immediate release on October 31.
- Property owners demand compliance to avoid contempt.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission about consequences for allegedly failing to comply with an October 31 judgment.
The court had directed the immediate release of 27 houses that the EFCC had seized, claiming they were acquired with proceeds of crime. The warning appeared in a Form 48 issued Tuesday by the court’s Registrar and addressed to the EFCC Chairman. The notice stated that continued noncompliance would amount to contempt of court.
Court Ordered EFCC to publish the order
The EFCC had obtained an ex parte interim forfeiture order on March 13 for the 27 properties across Nigeria. The court therefore ordered the commission to publish the order within 14 days, allowing interested parties to contest the seizure.
Following publication in The Punch newspaper on April 4, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his company, Jamec West African Limited, claimed 26 properties. Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo claimed House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja. Both Okwete, Jamec Ltd, and Oladapo objected to the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture.
Furthermore, on October 31, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik upheld their objections. She dismissed the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture, vacated the interim forfeiture order, and directed immediate release of the properties to their rightful owners.
Court emphasizes immediate compliance with property release order
Justice Abdulmalik held that the evidence supported the property owners’ claims. She noted that Okwete’s affidavit to show cause had merit and that Oladapo’s affidavit was fully substantiated. The judge ordered the EFCC to release all properties and documents without delay, rendering the commission’s motion for final forfeiture null and void.
Counsel for Okwete and Jamec Ltd, Serekowei Larry (SAN), wrote the EFCC Chairman on November 27, highlighting the commission’s alleged refusal to comply. He said officials from the court’s Enforcement Unit visited the EFCC on November 26 to execute the judgment, but the EFCC ignored the order. Larry warned that ignoring court judgments undermines democracy and hoped the EFCC would respond before he takes further action.
