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High Court Orders Release Of 27 Properties Wrongly Seized By EFCC

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High Court Orders Release Of 27 Properties Wrongly Seized By EFCC

High court orders release of 27 properties wrongly seized by EFCC. A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release 27 properties earlier seized under an interim forfeiture order obtained by the anti-graft agency.
Joyce Abdulmalik, the presiding judge, gave the order while delivering judgement in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, filed by the EFCC.

The commission had secured an ex parte interim forfeiture order on March 13, claiming the properties were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.
After the order was published in the Punch newspaper on April 4 as directed by the court, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his firm, Jamec West African Limited, claimed ownership of 26 of the properties.

Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo also declared interest in House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja. The trio filed affidavits to show cause and opposed the EFCC’s application for a final forfeiture order.

In a judgement delivered on October 31, Abdulmalik upheld their objections, dismissed the EFCC’s bid for final forfeiture, and vacated the interim forfeiture order.

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The judge ruled that the evidence presented supported the owners’ claims.

“I firmly find that the property owner/respondent’s (Okwete’s) affidavit to show cause has merit,” she held.
On Oladapo’s claim, the court noted that the EFCC raised no objection.

“I hold in favour of the Adebukunola lyabode Oladapo being person interested in House No: 12 Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja, FCT, that since the learned senior counsel for the applicant (EFCC) has informed the court that it has no objection to her affidavit to show cause, that her affidavit filed to show cause stands substantiated in its entirety.”

The judge set aside the interim order and directed the EFCC to hand over the properties without delay.
“Without more, I forthwith set aside and vacate in its entirety the interim order of forfeiture granted on 13th March 2025… Accordingly, I order the immediate release of the aforementioned properties/its documents to the property owner/respondent and the House No: 12 Fandriana Close… to Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, respectively.”
She added that the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture had become “otiose”.

‘EFCC REFUSING TO OBEY COURT ORDER’

Despite the ruling, lawyers for Okwete and Jamec West Africa Ltd say the EFCC has refused to comply.

In a November 27 letter addressed to the EFCC chairman, Serekowei Larry, the lawyer, accused the commission of “blatantly disobeying” the judgement.
“We write as counsel to Mr. James Okwete and his company Jamec West Africa Ltd, the property owners,’ to formally apprise you of the events that have followed this case since 31st October, 2025, when judgment was given against you,” the letter reads.

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Larry noted that the judgement was delivered in the presence of EFCC’s legal team on October 31, noting that certified copies were served on the commission on November 14.
He added that officials of the federal high court enforcement unit visited the EFCC on November 26 to execute the judgement but were not given the documents.

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“In straight words, your office refused to do so, thereby blatantly disobeying the said judgement, which in its penultimate paragraph used the words ‘the immediate release’,” he wrote.
Larry warned that disobedience of court orders undermines the rule of law.

“In any regime, talk less of a democracy, it will be the height of it if judgments of court are blatantly disobeyed. We, however, want to believe that you are not aware of what happened, hence this letter,” he added.
He said the property owners expect “positive reactions within a reasonable time before we take further steps”.

Economy

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku

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Terrorists Alternative Government Under Tinubu

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku

ADC is Nigeria’s only reliable political party, others brought insecurity, hunger, says Atiku. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only reliable political party in the country, noting that others have brought insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment.
Speaking in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, during the official opening of the ADC state secretariat, Abubakar said the party is ready for a 2027 victory but urged Nigerians to unite to rescue the nation.

He also asked Taraba residents to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, adding that their participation is crucial to reversing Nigeria’s worsening hardship.
“I am in Taraba to inaugurate our new party office of the ADC, and I want you to hold the party with integrity,” Channels Television quoted Atiku as saying.

“Do not allow anybody to deceive you with any other party, because we have tasted other political parties, and they brought nothing but insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment. “The youths and women should know that we are doing this for them to have a better future, and I am holding on to their promise. “ADC will win Taraba state and win Nigeria as the only reliable political party.”

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party

 

Abubakar, who formally joined the ADC on Monday—17 months before the 2027 general election—said his experience across political platforms convinced him that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties lack the capacity to rescue the country.

He resigned from the PDP on July 16, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party as his reason for leaving.

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Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development

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Maritime Growth

Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development

Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials

As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.

The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.

He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.

Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.

“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.

“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.

“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.

The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.

“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.

“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.

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On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.

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Crime

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

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EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.

Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.

“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.

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