A Federal High Court in Abuja has slammed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for refusing to obey a court order to vacate a property seized from former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke.
Justice Musa Liman expressed frustration on Friday over the EFCC’s failure to leave House 6, Aso Drive, Asokoro, despite an earlier court order dated May 16, 2025. The court had directed that High Chief Ikechi Emenike, the rightful occupant, be given access to the house.
The EFCC, instead of complying, went back to court asking for a stay of the order, prompting Justice Liman to accuse the agency of disrespecting the court and its authority. The judge declared that the court will no longer hear any EFCC applications related to the case until it ends its contemptuous conduct.
“The law is no respecter of any person,” Justice Liman warned, adding that disobedience to court orders could lead to anarchy and must not be tolerated—even from government agencies.
The judge also ordered that court documents be served on EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukayode, and the agency’s lawyer, Francis Usani, regarding a pending contempt case. The court may issue bench warrants for their arrest over allegations of obstructing court orders.
This dispute stems from a 2023 EFCC order that forfeited the property and put it up for sale. However, High Chief Emenike secured a court order granting him the right of first refusal, a ruling EFCC allegedly ignored by evicting him to use the house as the Chairman’s residence.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between government anti-corruption efforts and the rule of law, as courts insist on enforcement of their decisions despite resistance from powerful agencies.
