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BREAKING NEWS: Abuja Federal High Court orders EFCC to release 27 seized properties, owners accuse commission of defying judgment
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release 27 houses wrongfully seized from their owners, declaring the anti-graft agency’s forfeiture application unmeritorious and its interim order invalid.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the directive in a judgment delivered on October 31 in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, filed by the EFCC.
The case stemmed from an ex parte interim forfeiture order the commission obtained on March 13, claiming the properties were proceeds of unlawful activities.
As required by law, the order was published in a national daily on April 4.
Following the publication, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his firm, Jamec West African Limited, appeared before the court to assert ownership of 26 of the properties.
Another claimant, Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, filed an affidavit showing interest in House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.
All three objected to the EFCC’s move for a final forfeiture order.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the respondents, holding that their affidavits to show cause successfully established legitimate ownership.
She noted that the EFCC itself raised no objection to Oladapo’s claim over the Wuse property.
“I firmly find that the property owner/respondent’s affidavit to show cause has merit. Without more, I forthwith set aside and vacate in its entirety the interim order of forfeiture granted on 13th March, 2025″, the judge held.
Justice Abdulmalik consequently ordered the EFCC to “immediately release” all the affected properties and their title documents to Okwete, Jamec West Africa Ltd., and Oladapo.
She further declared the anti-graft agency’s application for final forfeiture “otiose.”
Owners Petition EFCC Chairman Over Alleged Non-Compliance
Despite the ruling, counsel to Okwete and Jamec West Africa Ltd., Serekowei Larry, SAN, has accused the EFCC of refusing to comply with the court’s directive.
In a letter dated November 27 and addressed to the EFCC Chairman, the senior advocate said the judgment was delivered in the presence of the commission’s legal team but had not been obeyed weeks after service.
He stated that officials of the Federal High Court Enforcement Unit, led by Mrs. Lilian Amenger, visited the EFCC office on November 26 to execute the order—which required only the release of title documents, but were allegedly rebuffed.
“In straight words, your office refused to do so, thereby blatantly disobeying the said judgment.
“In any regime, talk less of a democracy, it will be the height of it if judgments of the court are blatantly disobeyed”, the petition reads.
Larry urged the EFCC Chairman to take immediate action to comply with the ruling, expressing hope that the alleged disobedience occurred without the chairman’s knowledge.
“We anticipate your positive reactions within a reasonable time before we take further steps,” he added.
The EFCC has yet to publicly comment on the allegation of non-compliance.
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of 34 career and 30 non career ambassadors.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
Naija News reports that the senate confirmed them during plenary on Thursday.
The confirmation came after the committee, chaired by Senator Sani Bello, presented its report, after which the recommendations were adopted.
However, during the session, Senator Sahabi Yau raised an objection, drawing attention to the absence of any nominee from Zamfara State on the list.
He urged that the President be notified of the omission.
In response, the Senate President acknowledged the concern, explaining that the current list was not exhaustive.
He assured lawmakers that he would raise the matter with the President. He further affirms that additional ambassadorial nominations are expected and that Zamfara State would not be excluded.
Among the career ambassadors are Arewa Esther (Oyo State); Adeola-Ibrahim Mopelola (Ogun); Ramat Omonbolale (Lagos); Monica Okechukwu Enebechi (Anambra); Adams Jane Basset (Cross River); Mohammed Lele (Bauchi); Muhammad Dahiru (Kaduna).
Those on the list of non- career include Ajimobi Florence (Oyo); Sulola Akande (Oyo); Uguwanyi Ifeanyi (Enugu); Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom); Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun); Jerry Manwe (Taraba); Reno Omokri (Delta); Ibas Ibok-Ette (Cross River); Abdulrahman Dambazzau (Kano); and Abas Braimah (Edo).
The Senate earlier confirmed three other non-career ambassadors, bringing to the total number of confirmed nominees to 67.
An abroad‑based man has taken to social media to share his old friend’s reaction after sending him a small amount of money.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
The man identified by the X handle, @onyedikaanambra shared a credit transaction with his friend, whose reaction to the message has gone viral online.
However, the amount wasn’t disclosed in the chat, but the friend responded with heartfelt gratitude, offering prayers for God’s abundance upon him.
His response below…
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Bruhhh, Jesus, God bless you for me. You and your family.
You will never lack in this life. Anything you lay your hands upon is blessed. Thank you brotherly. Make I go chop. Jesus. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Meanwhile, the tweet has garnered over 400,000 views, with netizens sharing their thoughts and opinions.
Reactions Trailing Below….
The Promiseman remarked, “A man will show appreciation by merely seeing a little green light-a little hope, even when his request has not been granted. Men are generally appreciative and grateful except for few ones”.
Iniobong Udoh, “Hahahhahahhaa I don’t think gratitude/gratefulness is a gender bias virtue, I’m like this too”.
A Winner stated , “Men go thank you and pray for you sotey, e go remain small make dem mistakenly swear for you join sef”.
Slvi added added, “You call it little but that money probably came at a time when he might be at his lowest. But regardless, grateful people open doors for more blessings. It’s the same when we ask God for favors”.
See below.
The Special Operations Unit (SOU) at the Police Headquarters on Tuesday arrested a fake soldier who attempted selling weapons to police officers.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
Information available to The Chronicle from a deep throat source at the Police Headquarters reveals that the men in black uniform got the hint that a soldier, Warrant Officer (WOII) Enock Appiah, based in Kasoa, was looking for buyers of assault rifles.
Items allegedly retrieved from him
The intelligence closed in on the said WO Appiah who is married to three wives at his uncompleted building hideout within the Nurses Quarters, Domeabra-Kasoa.
The SOU personnel tactically positioned selves only for WO Appiah to fall. A search conducted on him revealed two pistols, namely Beretta and Tarius, and three rounds of AK47 assault rifle ammunitions.
Also found on him are various military uniforms and a fake military identity card bearing the name WO Enock Appiah.
According to the source, police investigation is ongoing to ascertain how he procured the uniforms and weapons.
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