EFCC urged to enforce interim forfeiture order against Abuja developer

The Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse & Torture (INAHURAT), a civil society group, has requested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) enforce an interim forfeiture order issued by the court in a property dispute involving real‑estate developer Mrs. Rebecca Godwin‑Isaac.

INAHURAT lawyer Mr. Maxwell Opara made the appeal during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the EFCC’s application for an interim forfeiture order against the properties located in Guzape and Katampe Districts, Abuja. The case is registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/151/2026.

The temporary order was issued pending the hearing and determination of the criminal charge, also before Justice Abdulmalik, filed by the EFCC over alleged land fraud.

Opara alleged that, despite the court order and ongoing investigations, the property at Plot 4022 in Guzape District, Abuja, continued to be developed in clear violation of existing laws.

He urged the commission to enforce the interim order to restore confidence in the judicial process for the nominal complainant and octogenarian widow Mrs. Colleen Mero Yesufu.

“The EFCC chairman has no option but to comply with the court order. When an order is made, you do not choose which one to obey and which one to ignore,” Opara said. “Therefore, we are calling on the EFCC chairman to take the necessary steps to preserve the subject matter and prevent further dissipation of an asset already under judicial restraint.”