The appeal, lodged at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, contests the decision delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on October 31, 2025.
In a statement released on Thursday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the commission’s counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, which set aside the interim forfeiture order and dismissed the commission’s request for the final forfeiture of the properties.
According to the EFCC, the notice of appeal seeks two orders from the appellate court:
- An order staying the execution of the Federal High Court judgment pending the determination of the appeal.
- Any further orders the Court of Appeal may deem appropriate.
Oyewale confirmed that the appeal is currently awaiting a hearing date.
The dispute originated on March 13, when the EFCC obtained an ex parte interim forfeiture order on the 27 properties located across different parts of Nigeria. The court had directed that the order be published within 14 days to allow interested parties to appear and defend ownership of the assets.
Following the publication on April 4, Okwete and Jamec West Africa Limited claimed ownership of 26 of the properties, while another claimant, Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, asserted ownership of one property located at No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.
They subsequently filed objections opposing the EFCC’s move for the final forfeiture of the assets.
In her October 31 ruling, Justice Abdulmalik upheld the objections, dismissed the EFCC’s application for permanent forfeiture, vacated the interim order, and directed that the properties be returned to their owners.
On December 3, the Federal High Court warned the EFCC chairman about the consequences of failing to comply with the judgment, following claims that the commission had not fully adhered to the court’s directive.
