In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has compelled the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return 27 properties that were improperly confiscated from their legitimate owners.
Court Delivers Landmark Judgment
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the decisive order on Friday, 31 October 2025, while delivering judgment in the case numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025. The ruling represents a major victory for property owners who had challenged the anti-graft agency's seizure of their assets.
The legal battle began when the EFCC obtained an ex-parte interim forfeiture order against the 27 properties on 13 March 2025. The commission had alleged that these assets were acquired through illegal activities and should be permanently confiscated.
Property Owners Emerge to Claim Assets
Following the mandatory publication of the interim forfeiture order in the Punch newspaper on 4 April 2025, legitimate claimants came forward to assert their ownership rights.
James Ikechukwu Okwete and his company, Jamec West African Limited, successfully demonstrated ownership of 26 properties. Meanwhile, Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo established her legitimate interest in House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Both parties filed formal objections when the EFCC applied for final forfeiture of the properties, arguing that the commission had wrongly targeted their legally acquired assets.
Judicial Reasoning and Final Orders
In her comprehensive judgment, Justice Abdulmalik conducted thorough analysis of the evidence presented before the court. The judge found substantial merit in the affidavit submitted by James Okwete to show cause why the properties shouldn't be forfeited.
The court also ruled in favor of Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, noting that the EFCC's legal representatives had raised no objections to her ownership claims regarding the Wuse 2 property.
Justice Abdulmalik declared: "Without more, I forthwith set aside and vacate in its entirety the interim order of forfeiture granted on 13 March 2025 to the applicant in respect of the properties listed in the schedule attached to the applicant's ex-parte originating motion."
The judge explicitly ordered the immediate release of all 27 properties and their relevant documents to the rightful owners, rendering the EFCC's motion for final forfeiture obsolete.
EFCC Faces Compliance Issues
Despite the clear court directive, concerns have emerged about the anti-graft agency's compliance with the judgment. Serekowei Larry, SAN, the legal representative for Okwete and Jamec Ltd, has written a formal complaint to the EFCC Chairman dated 27 November 2025.
The letter highlights that the judgment order was served on the EFCC on 14 November 2025, but no action was taken to implement it. More alarmingly, when the Federal High Court's Enforcement Unit, led by Mrs. Lilian Amenger, attempted to execute the judgment on 26 November 2025, the EFCC office refused to surrender the property documents.
Larry's letter emphasizes the seriousness of disregarding court orders in a democratic society, while giving the EFCC a final opportunity to comply before further legal action is pursued.
This case underscores the critical balance between anti-corruption efforts and the protection of property rights, demonstrating the judiciary's role in ensuring due process is followed in all asset recovery proceedings.
