By Peter.
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has slapped the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with a Form 48 contempt notice, demanding immediate compliance with an October 31 judgment ordering the release of 27 properties wrongly seized as alleged proceeds of crime. The warning, issued Tuesday by the court’s Registrar and directed to EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, threatens legal repercussions for ongoing defiance.
The Form 48 states:
“Take notice that unless you obey the direction contained in the order… made on 31st October, 2025, which ordered you to immediately release the property documents… you will be guilty of contempt of court.”
It notes the EFCC’s refusal as of December 2, annexing the original order for reference and urging “forthwith” action.
From Seizure to Showdown: The Case Timeline
| Date | Key Event |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2025 | EFCC secures ex-parte interim forfeiture order for 27 properties nationwide, suspecting illicit acquisition; court mandates publication for claims. |
| April 4, 2025 | Publication in Punch newspaper prompts objections from claimants. |
| October 31, 2025 | Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rules in claimants’ favor: Vacates interim order, dismisses final forfeiture bid, orders immediate release to owners. |
| November 27, 2025 | Claimants’ counsel, Serekowei Larry (SAN), writes to EFCC Chairman, decrying non-compliance despite multiple retrieval attempts. |
| December 2, 2025 | Court issues Form 48 contempt warning. |
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik affirmed the evidence from Jamec West African Limited and owner James Ikechukwu Okwete (26 properties), plus Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo (one Wuse 2 home), noting the EFCC raised no objections to Oladapo’s claim. She deemed the affidavits “meritorious,” rendering the forfeiture “otiose.”
Claimants’ Frustration Mounts
Larry’s letter highlighted the EFCC’s “refusal” despite the judgment being delivered in their counsel’s presence, warning of escalation to avoid “further embarrassment.” The properties, spanning multiple states, were never linked to crime, per the court’s findings.
The EFCC has yet to respond publicly. This standoff raises questions on enforcement amid Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, with critics eyeing potential appeals or sanctions.
#EFCCContempt #PropertyForfeitureNG #JusticeAbdulmalik #AbujaHighCourt #AntiCorruptionWatch
