The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an appeal against a federal high court ruling that ordered the release of 27 houses to James Ikechukwu Okwete and Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo.
The EFCC had obtained an interim forfeiture order on the properties in March, claiming they were acquired with proceeds of crime.
However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled in October that the EFCC failed to establish its claim and ordered the immediate release of the properties.
The EFCC’s appeal, filed on December 1, seeks a stay of execution on the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal. The commission’s lead counsel, Abba Mohammed, requested the court of appeal to grant the stay, citing the EFCC’s intention to challenge the judgment.
The properties in question include 26 owned by Okwete and his company, Jamec West African Limited, and one owned by Oladapo.
The EFCC had published the interim forfeiture order in April, prompting Okwete and Oladapo to come forward and claim ownership.
The court’s ruling has sparked controversy, with Okwete’s lawyer, Serekowei Larry, accusing the EFCC of blatantly disobeying the court order.
The EFCC has been given a deadline to comply with the judgment or face contempt proceedings.
