CSO Demands EFCC Enforcement of Court Forfeiture Order on Disputed Abuja Properties
A civil society organisation, the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately enforce an interim forfeiture order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja over disputed properties located in the Guzape and Katampe districts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The group, led by human rights activist Dr. Maxwell Opara, said the court order was granted by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following a suit filed against a property developer, Mrs. Rebecca Godwin-Isaac. According to the organisation, the interim forfeiture was intended to preserve the affected properties pending the conclusion of an ongoing criminal case involving allegations of land fraud.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, INAHURAT expressed concern that development activities were allegedly continuing on one of the properties despite the subsisting court order. The organisation specifically referenced a property located at Plot 4022 in Guzape District, arguing that any continued construction could undermine the judicial process and violate existing legal directives.
The rights group stressed that compliance with court orders is essential for maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system. It urged the anti-graft agency to take immediate steps to secure the affected assets and ensure full enforcement of the interim forfeiture order while legal proceedings continue.
INAHURAT further maintained that strict enforcement would reassure the complainant in the matter, Mrs. Colleen Mero Yesufu, and demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to upholding the rule of law. The organisation argued that court orders must be respected by all parties regardless of the status of the case or the individuals involved.
The development has once again drawn attention to the importance of asset preservation orders in ongoing investigations and legal disputes involving property ownership. Legal analysts note that interim forfeiture orders are designed to prevent the disposal, alteration, or transfer of disputed assets until the courts reach a final determination on the matter.
As the case progresses, stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the actions of the EFCC and the outcome of the pending court proceedings, which could have significant implications for property rights, anti-corruption enforcement, and judicial compliance in Nigeria.
