The warning, contained in a Form 48, was addressed directly to the EFCC Chairman, cautioning him that refusal to release the property documents to their rightful owners would constitute contempt of court.
The properties were initially seized by the EFCC on March 13 under an interim forfeiture order, but the court later ruled that the seizure was unlawful. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in her October 31 judgment, vacated the interim order, dismissed the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture, and directed immediate release of the houses to the owners.
The properties in question include 26 houses claimed by James Ikechukwu Okwete and Jamec West African Limited, and one house in Abuja claimed by Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo.
Following the court’s order, EFCC is accused of refusing to comply. Counsel to Okwete and Jamec Ltd, Serekowei Larry (SAN), wrote to the EFCC Chairman on November 27, alleging that the commission ignored the court’s directive even after an Enforcement Unit visit on November 26 to ensure compliance.
Larry emphasized that blatant disobedience of court orders undermines democratic principles and warned that his clients expect immediate compliance before taking further action.
The Federal High Court now expects the EFCC to release the properties forthwith or risk being held in contempt of court.
