The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed a notice of appeal challenging the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered the release of 27 properties linked to businessman James Ikechukwu Okwete and his firm, Jamec West Africa Limited.
The appeal, lodged at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/348/2025, contests the decision delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on October 31, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the commission’s counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, which vacated an interim forfeiture order and dismissed the EFCC’s application for the final forfeiture of the assets.
Oyewale noted that the commission is seeking two orders from the appellate court.
The statement partly 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, on the matter.
“EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed, SAN, sought two orders of the Court of Appeal on the matter:
“First, an order of this Honourable Court staying execution of the judgment of the trial court delivered on October 31, 2025, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed on December 1, 2025, against the judgment.
“Second, such other orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.”
He added that the appeal is currently awaiting a hearing date.
The dispute began on March 13, when the EFCC secured an ex parte interim forfeiture order on the 27 properties located in various parts of the country. The court subsequently directed the commission to publish the order within 14 days to allow interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Following newspaper report on April 4, Okwete and Jamec West Africa Limited laid claim to 26 of the assets, while another claimant, Adebukunola Iyabode Oladapo, asserted ownership of a property at No. 12, Fandriana Close, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Both parties opposed the EFCC’s move for final forfeiture.
In her judgment delivered on October 31, Justice Abdulmalik upheld the objections, dismissed the EFCC’s application, vacated the interim forfeiture order, and directed the commission to release the properties to their owners.