The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has again entered a disputed property in Mabushi, Abuja, defying a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court order restraining the agency and awarding N20 million to Jona Brothers Construction Ltd.

Videos obtained by SaharaReporters show EFCC operatives moving mattresses into the premises, apparently to stay on-site, despite clear court directives.

On November 11, 2025, Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi dismissed EFCC’s criminal charge (FCT/HC/CR/151/2023) against Jona Brothers and its Director, Comrade Uche Vincent, describing the investigation as a “gross abuse of statutory powers” and “vexatious and oppressive.” The judge also restrained the EFCC from filing new charges or investigating the land while a prior judgment by Justice S.U. Bature confirmed Jona Brothers as the legal owner.

Despite this, EFCC operatives, accompanied by six armed policemen and others allegedly linked to businessman Chief Michael Adeojo, returned to the property on November 28, 2025. They reportedly broke into makeshift structures, accessed documents and building materials, and remained on-site until December 1, leaving only when Jona Brothers mobilized to resist.

Judicial History of the Dispute

Four different FCT High Court judges — Bature, Binta Mohammed, Ibrahim Mohammed, and Osho-Adebiyi — have previously ruled in favor of Jona Brothers, affirming ownership or restraining EFCC interference. EFCC’s appeal on earlier judgments has been abandoned for over 19 months.

The controversy largely stems from an ex parte forfeiture order obtained by EFCC on January 30, 2024, directing the land to the Federal Government, even though the affidavit admitted the property belonged to Adeojo. Reports indicate that the EFCC planned to hand the land to Adeojo as a “victim” once forfeited.

Following the November 11 ruling, Jona Brothers’ lawyers urged Justice Nwite to vacate the ex parte order to prevent further conflict, but he declined, citing a separate criminal trial related to the land.

Legal and Disciplinary Actions

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has approved a hearing into a petition against EFCC prosecutor Elizabeth Alabi for allegedly making malicious false statements against Jona Brothers’ lawyer, Alexander Oketa Esq.

Meanwhile, Justice S.U. Bature has commenced contempt proceedings against the EFCC chairman over prior violations, warning that continued illegal actions could result in severe legal and reputational consequences.

“The judges cannot all be wrong,” a source familiar with the matter said. “Even if the EFCC disagrees, the proper remedy is an appeal, not taking the law into its own hands.”