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 ruling delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on October 31, 2025.
In a statement released on Thursday, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the commission’s counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), expressed strong dissatisfaction with the judgment, which vacated the interim forfeiture order and dismissed the commission’s application for the final forfeiture of the assets.
According to Oyewale, the EFCC is seeking two key orders from the appellate court.
Part of the statement read:
“The EFCC has filed a Notice of Appeal against a judgment of Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordering the release of 27 houses to James Ikechukwu Okwete and his company, Jamec West Africa Limited.
“In a NOTICE OF APPEAL filed at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, the Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of the trial court delivered on October 31, 2025.
“EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed, SAN, sought an order staying the execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed on December 1, 2025, as well as any other orders the court may deem fit.”
He added that the appeal is awaiting a hearing date.
The legal dispute dates back to March 13, 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 assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Okwete and Jamec West Africa Limited laid claim to 26 of the properties, while another claimant, Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, claimed ownership of a property located at No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja. The claimants later opposed the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture.
In her October 31 judgment, Justice Abdulmalik upheld their objections, dismissed the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture, vacated the interim order, and directed the commission to release the properties to their owners.
Meanwhile, on December 3, the Federal High Court warned the EFCC Chairman over the consequences of failing to fully comply with the judgment, following reports that the commission had not yet obeyed the court’s directive.
