A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warning to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, over his alleged failure to comply with its October 31 ruling ordering the immediate release of 27 houses that were wrongly seized on suspicion of being bought with proceeds of crime.

The warning was made in a Form 48 issued Tuesday by the court’s Registrar and addressed directly to the EFCC Chairman. It stated:

“Take notice that unless you comply with the order of the Federal High Court dated 31st October 2025, directing you to immediately release the property documents to the rightful owners/respondents in suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, you will be held in contempt of court.”

The EFCC had earlier obtained an ex-parte interim forfeiture order on March 13, 2025, for the 27 properties across the country, with a directive to publish the order for interested parties to come forward and contest the forfeiture.

After the order was published in Punch newspaper on April 4, James Ikechukwu Okwete and his company, Jamec West African Limited, claimed ownership of 26 of the properties, while Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo claimed House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.

In its October 31 judgment, the court upheld the objections raised by Okwete, Jamec, and Oladapo, dismissed the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture, vacated the interim forfeiture order, and ordered the immediate release of the properties. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled:

“After reviewing the evidence, I find that the affidavit submitted by the property owner/respondent (Okwete) has merit. I also rule in favor of Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, who has an interest in House No: 12 Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja, FCT… Therefore, I hereby set aside and completely vacate the interim forfeiture order granted on March 13, 2025… I accordingly order the immediate release of the said properties and their documents.”

Serekowei Larry (SAN), lawyer for Okwete and Jamec Ltd, wrote to the EFCC Chairman on November 27, 2025, expressing concerns over the commission’s failure to comply with the court order. He stated:

“The judgment order was served on your office on November 14, 2025, but no action has been taken to implement it. On November 26, 2025, the Federal High Court’s Enforcement Unit visited your office to enforce the judgment, which only required the handover of the title documents. Your office outrightly refused to comply, blatantly disobeying the court’s order… We expect your prompt response within a reasonable time before taking further legal action.”

The court has now ordered the EFCC to comply immediately or face contempt of court proceedings.