Zainab Ali
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a notice of appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered the release of 27 properties linked to businessman, James Ikechukwu Okwete, and his company, Jamec West Africa Limited.
The appeal was filed at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, challenging the decision delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on October 31, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the commission, through its counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, which vacated the interim forfeiture order and dismissed the agency’s application for the final forfeiture of the assets.
According to the statement, the EFCC is seeking two orders from the appellate court: an order staying execution of the trial court’s judgment delivered on October 31, 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed on December 1, 2025, and such other orders as the court may deem fit in the circumstances.
Oyewale added that the appeal is currently awaiting a hearing date.
The dispute dates back to March 13, 2025, when the EFCC secured an ex parte interim forfeiture order on the 27 properties located in different parts of the country.
The court had directed the commission to publish the order within 14 days to enable interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Reports had it that on April 4, 2025, Okwete and Jamec West Africa Limited laid claim to 26 of the assets, while another claimant, Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, asserted ownership of one of the properties located at No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.
The claimants subsequently opposed the EFCC’s move for the final forfeiture of the properties.
In her judgment delivered on October 31, 2025, Justice Abdulmalik upheld the objections, dismissed the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture, vacated the interim order, and directed the commission to release the properties to their owners.
On December 3, 2025, the Federal High Court warned the EFCC chairman of the consequences of failing to comply with the judgment, following claims that the commission had not fully obeyed the court’s directive.