Court Issues Contempt Warning to EFCC Chairman Over Order to Release 27 Seized Properties

Federal High Court Warns EFCC Chairman Over Non-Compliance With Order to Release 27 Seized Properties

The Federal High Court in Abuja has cautioned the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly failing to comply with a subsisting judgment directing the immediate release of title documents for 27 properties previously placed under interim forfeiture. The warning was issued on Tuesday through a Form 48 notice, formally notifying the anti-graft agency chief of the legal consequences of continued disobedience.

The notice, signed by the court’s Registrar and delivered to the EFCC Chairman, reminds the commission that the judgment delivered on 31 October 2025 ordered the release of property documents to the owners listed in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025.
The court warned that failure to comply amounts to contempt, which may attract personal sanctions against the EFCC leadership.

According to the notice, the commission had been duly served with the judgment but had not returned the documents to the owners as of 2nd December 2025

Dispute Originated From Interim Forfeiture Order

The contested properties were initially seized on 13 March, when the EFCC secured an interim forfeiture order on the basis that the assets were allegedly linked to illicit funds. The court directed the agency to publish the interim order within 14 days so that any interested parties could challenge the forfeiture.

Three parties, James Ikechukwu Okwete, his company Jamec West African Limited, and Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, subsequently filed objections, asserting legitimate ownership of the affected properties.

On 31 October, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered judgment in favour of the claimants and set aside the interim forfeiture. The court held that the applicants had provided sufficient evidence demonstrating that the properties were lawfully acquired.

The judge specifically affirmed Oladapo’s ownership of House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja, and dismissed the EFCC’s application for permanent forfeiture.

Justice Abdulmalik, in her decision, stated that the claimants’ affidavit “had merit” and satisfied the legal threshold for reclaiming the assets.

Claimants Accuse EFCC of Defiance

Following the court’s judgment, counsel to Okwete and Jamec West African Ltd, Serekowei Larry (SAN), wrote to the EFCC Chairman on 27 November alleging deliberate non-compliance.
He explained that officials from the court’s Enforcement Unit visited the EFCC office on 26 November to execute the order but were unable to obtain the release of the documents.

The senior advocate criticised what he described as resistance to lawful directives, noting that persistent disobedience undermines the authority of the judiciary.

Larry further stated that his clients expect immediate compliance to avoid further legal steps, including possible contempt proceedings.

Implications for Institutional Accountability

The court’s warning highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement agencies and judicial directives in asset forfeiture matters. Compliance with court judgments remains central to maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system, especially in cases involving high-value property disputes and anti-corruption enforcement.

The next steps will depend on whether the EFCC releases the documents or faces formal contempt proceedings initiated by the court.