A prominent Nigerian lawyer, Alexander Oketa, has petitioned the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged land-grabbing activities by some officials of the Commission.
The disputed land, located at Plot 680-689, Cadastral Zone Bo6, Mabushi, Abuja, has been the subject of a six-year legal battle between Jona Brothers Construction Limited and Chief Michael Adeojo, owner of Elizade Motors. Despite multiple court rulings in favor of Jona Brothers Construction Limited and its partner, Uche Vincent, EFCC officials allegedly intervened, declaring Chief Adeojo as the rightful owner.
In a strongly worded five-page petition submitted on Friday, March 7, 2025, and acknowledged by the EFCC Chairman’s office, Barrister Oketa accused EFCC operatives, led by Mr. Olayinka Macaulay, of unlawfully storming the property on Thursday, March 6. According to the petition, the EFCC team harassed workers, sealed the premises, and threatened arrests.
The lawyer referenced a judgment by Hon. Justice Ibrahim Mohammed in Jona Brothers Construction Ltd & 3 Ors v. EFCC & 3 Ors (Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/42/2023), which restrained the EFCC from interfering with the ownership or occupation of the property. He argued that the EFCC’s reliance on an interim forfeiture order obtained in secret contravened the ruling.
“Our clients’ building materials and equipment worth billions of naira have been exposed to theft, demurrage, and expiration due to the unlawful activities of Mr. Olayinka Macaulay at the behest of our client’s defeated opponent, Chief Michael Adeojo,” the petition read.
Barrister Oketa warned that if the EFCC Chairman failed to take action within 48 hours, he would escalate the matter to the National Judicial Council (NJC), the National Security Adviser, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant bodies.
When contacted, Mr. Olayinka Macaulay declined to comment, stated that he acted in his official capacity and referred inquiries to the EFCC media unit.
