Court Orders EFCC to Arrest Estate Agent for Failing to Appear in Fraud Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and produce an Abuja-based estate agent, Mrs. Rebecca Omokamo, in court. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order following the defendant's failure to appear for her trial on charges including land fraud, forgery, and money laundering.

During the resumed hearing, Mrs. Omokamo's counsel, Christopher Oshomeghie, SAN, informed the court that his client had been unable to leave her home for 23 days due to an EFCC "siege," citing fears for her safety. The lawyer argued this situation was the reason for her absence from court.

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menacing, gun-wielding officers of the EFCC took over the property of his clients in a 23-day siege.

However, the prosecution, represented by Benedict Ubi, countered that Mrs. Omokamo was in "self-imposed house arrest" and obstructing EFCC officers from executing a court order for the interim forfeiture of a disputed land. Ubi accused her of breaching her administrative bail by traveling out of the jurisdiction.

In response to the conflicting accounts, Justice Abdulmalik ordered the EFCC to take Mrs. Omokamo into custody until July 23 for the continuation of the trial. The judge also clarified that the defendant possessed the keys to her apartment, implying she was not forcibly confined by the EFCC. The case involves other defendants, including Homadil Realty Limited, Idakwogi Richard John, and Rychado Homes Limited.

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When I make an order I go to sleep.