A civil society group, Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), alongside some prominent human rights lawyers, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of obstructing justice by allegedly failing to enforce court-ordered forfeiture of several high-value properties linked to a high-profile land fraud case in Abuja.
The group raised alarm over what it described as the EFCC’s “lukewarm attitude” in implementing the interim forfeiture orders issued by Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwatu of the Federal High Court on March 7, 2025, involving properties located at Plot 4022, Guzape District, and Plots 1861, 1862, and 1863, Katampe District.
At a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, INAHURAT’s Lead Coordinator, Barr. Maxwell Chibuike Opara (PhD), condemned the EFCC for refusing to act on the court orders issued not only by Justice Egwatu in March 2025 but also an earlier judgment by Justice Emeka Nwite in December 2024.
“The EFCC’s refusal to publish and implement these judgments is a direct affront to judicial authority. It raises serious concerns about the Commission’s commitment to the anti-corruption fight,” said Opara.
Allegations of forgery and police protection
At the center of the dispute is one Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac, also known as Becky or Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu, who allegedly forged title documents, Power of Attorney, and a police report to unlawfully claim ownership of the property belonging to 79-year-old widow, Hajia Colleen Mero Yesufu.
According to INAHURAT, Rebecca, described as a close associate of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, used a forged Power of Attorney and cloned documents from the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and a falsified police report dated August 22, 2014, to secure a court injunction in November 2023.
“The police report supposedly issued from Gwarimpa, Zone 7 Police Headquarters, is highly suspicious. That’s the same location where the current IGP once served as AIG,” Opara added.
Accusations against EFCC and IGP
Opara further alleged that despite facing criminal charges for forgery, fraud, and illegal occupation, Rebecca is being shielded by the Nigerian Police with six fully armed officers deployed to protect her and the contested property.
He criticized the EFCC Chairman for inviting only the accused for questioning in September 2024 while pressuring the 79-year-old widow into a settlement, without first hearing her account of events.
“Calling for a settlement between a criminal suspect and the rightful owner is not only a miscarriage of justice but a green light for further criminal activity,” he said.
Demands and ultimatum
INAHURAT issued a stern warning that if their demands are not met within days, the group, along with Hajia Yesufu and over 60 other victims of land fraud, will lead a mass protest to the Presidential Villa.
The group demanded the immediate enforcement of the court’s forfeiture orders by EFCC, withdrawal of all police security assigned to the accused, and comprehensive investigation by the Police Service Commission, Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Office of the National Security Adviser into the alleged misuse of police personnel and forged documents
The group also demanded presidential intervention to uphold the rule of law and protect victims of fraud, as Opara declared: “If justice fails, we will take our cries directly to Mr. President”.