EFCC operatives | File photo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a notice of appeal against a federal high court ruling that ordered the release of 27 houses to James Ikechukwu Okwete and Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo.
In March, the EFCC obtained an interim forfeiture order on 27 properties located across various parts of the country.
Okwete and his company, Jamec West African Limited, claimed ownership of 26 of the properties, while Oladapo declared interest in House No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.
On Wednesday, the court cautioned Ola Olukoyede, EFCC chairman, over an alleged refusal to comply with the subsisting judgment that ordered the immediate release of the properties.
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In response, the EFCC filed an appeal at the court of appeal, Abuja division, under Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, challenging the judgment delivered by Joyce Abdulmalik on October 31, 2025.
Abba Mohammed, EFCC’s lead counsel, requested the court of appeal to grant a stay of execution on the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed on December 1, 2025.
In a statement, Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s head of media and publicity, said the appeal also sought “such other further orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances”.
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He added that the case is currently awaiting hearing at the court of appeal.
