The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to immediately return 27 houses it wrongfully seized. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the directive while delivering judgment in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, initiated by the EFCC.
Earlier on March 13, the EFCC secured an interim forfeiture order over the properties, alleging they were bought with proceeds of illegal activities. After the order was published on April 4 as required, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his company, Jamec West African Limited, laid claim to 26 of the houses, while Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo claimed ownership of House No. 12 Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.
All three owners objected to the EFCC’s request for a final forfeiture order. On October 31, Justice Abdulmalik upheld their objections, dismissed the EFCC’s application, lifted the interim forfeiture and ordered the agency to release the properties without delay.
The judge ruled that Okwete’s affidavit to show cause was credible and deserved to stand. She also upheld Oladapo’s claim to the Wuse property, noting that the EFCC’s counsel had already told the court the agency had no objection to her affidavit.
Justice Abdulmalik therefore nullified the entire March 13 forfeiture order and directed that all listed properties be returned to their rightful owners, along with any accompanying documents. She added that the EFCC’s motion for final forfeiture had become unnecessary in light of the court’s findings.
However, counsel for Okwete and Jamec Ltd, Serekowei Larry (SAN), has written the EFCC Chairman, alleging the commission has failed to comply with the ruling. In the letter dated November 27, Larry noted that the judgment was delivered in open court on October 31 with the EFCC’s legal team present, led by Maryam Hayatudeen.
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