EFCC appeals as court returns 27 forfeited property to suspects

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, kicked against the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which returned 27 forfeited houses to two suspects, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his company, Jamec West Africa Limited.

The anti-graft agency said it has filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, saying that it was not satisfied with the ruling of the trial court delivered on October 31, 2025, on the matter.

Daily Trust reports that the dispute dates back to March 13, when the EFCC secured an ex parte interim forfeiture order on the 27 properties, located in different parts of the country, including the nation’s capital.

The court ordered the commission to publish the order within 14 days to enable interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Following the public notice in the national dailies on April 4, Okwete and Jamec West Africa Limited laid claim to 26 of the assets, while another claimant, Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, asserted ownership of a property at No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.

They subsequently opposed the EFCC’s move for the final forfeiture of the properties.

Giving an update on the matter on Thursday, the spokesman of the commission, Dele Oyewale, told journalists that the EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, sought two orders of the Court of Appeal on the matter.

Oyewale added that the matter is awaiting hearing at the Court of Appeal.

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