Court orders EFCC to produce estate agent facing fraud trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to present Abuja-based estate agent Rebecca Omokamo in court on Thursday for the continuation of her trial concerning alleged land fraud, forgery, and money laundering.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order after Omokamo failed to appear for the resumed hearing. Her counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Christopher Oshomeghie, informed the court that his client had been indoors for 23 days due to an alleged siege by EFCC operatives at her residence, leaving her too afraid to leave. Oshomeghie argued that her absence from court was a direct result of the EFCC's actions.

However, the EFCC's counsel, Benedict Ubi, countered this claim, asserting that Omokamo had placed herself under "self-imposed house arrest." Ubi alleged that she had frustrated the EFCC's efforts to enforce an interim forfeiture order on disputed property and had repeatedly traveled outside the court's jurisdiction, violating her administrative bail conditions.

Oshomeghie maintained his client's position, stating that EFCC operatives had occupied the property for 23 days, significantly impacting Omokamo's health. The prosecutor insisted that Omokamo possessed the keys to her apartment and had locked herself inside, denying any confinement or detention by EFCC operatives. After Oshomeghie confirmed Omokamo had the keys, Justice Abdulmalik directed the EFCC to produce her in court and keep her in custody until the trial continues.

Omokamo is being tried alongside other defendants, including Homadil Realty Limited, Idakwogi Richard John, and Rychado Homes Limited. Only John, the CEO of Rychado Homes Limited, was present in court. In a related civil suit, Justice Abdulmalik admonished Oshomeghie for seeking clarification on a status quo order, stating, "When I make an order, I go to sleep." The EFCC informed the court about its application for the final forfeiture of the disputed property, with another party seeking to be joined in the suit. The civil matter was adjourned to October 15.

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When I make an order, I go to sleep.