Abuja-based lawyer, Alexander Oketa, has filed a lawsuit against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, alongside the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), over an alleged illegal takeover of a disputed land in Abuja.
The case, which centered on a land dispute between Jona Brothers Construction Limited and Chief Michael Adeojo, Chairman of Elizade Motors, has escalated following claims that EFCC operatives forcefully sealed off the property at Plot 680-689, Cadastral Zone, B06 Mabushi, Abuja despite multiple court rulings favoring Jona Brothers.
Barrister Oketa, in a Fundamental Rights Enforcement suit filed on behalf of Jona Brothers Construction Limited, Bullion Properties Limited, Oyenbueke Uche Vincent, and John Oyih, is seeking an order compelling the EFCC to unseal the land and allow his clients full access. The suit also demanded a N500 million compensation for damages, citing violations of fundamental rights, including personal liberty, fair hearing, and property ownership, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to Oketa, multiple judgments had already affirmed Jona Brothers as the rightful owners of the land, including:
Justice Ibrahim Mohammed’s ruling (Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/42/2023) prohibiting EFCC and its agents from interfering with the property.
Justice S.U. Bature’s judgment (Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/05/2020) declaring the applicants the lawful owners.
Justice Binta Mohammed’s ruling (Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/806/2022) dismissing Chief Adeojo’s attempt to overturn previous rulings.
Justice Olajuwon’s order (Suit No. FCT/ABJ/CS/779/2023) directing the EFCC to maintain the status quo.
Despite these decisions, the EFCC allegedly obtained an ex parte order for interim forfeiture, which led to its operatives storming the property last Thursday, sealing it off, and threatening to arrest anyone who attempted access.
Barrister Oketa criticized the EFCC’s involvement in what he described as a civil land dispute, arguing that the commission had no jurisdiction over land matters.
“The respondents took the law into their own hands, disregarding multiple court judgments and violating my clients’ fundamental rights,” he stated.
The suit is also seeking an order directing the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to provide security for the applicants to enable them to take peaceful possession of the property.
