A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pay Homadil Realty Limited ₦2 million as damages for gross abuse of power.
The Court presided over by Justice M. A. Hassan also orded Zenith Bank to pay an additional ₦2 million for complying with the unlawful directives.
The total amount to be paid to Homadil Reality Limited by both the EFCC and Zenith Bank is ₦4 million.
The court warned that law enforcement agencies must operate within the limits of the law in a democratic society.
The court judgement in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/830/2025, followed an unlawfully restriction on the bank account of Homadil Reality Limited by Zenith Bank on the orders of the EFCC.
While delivering judgement, Justice M. A. Hassan held that the EFCC exceeded its legal powers by directing Zenith Bank to continue placing a post-no-debit restriction on Homadil Realty Limited’s account without first obtaining the required court order.
The court held that while the EFCC could impose an initial restriction for a limited period, any further extension required judicial authorisation.
The trial judge described the continued restriction on Homadil Realty Limited as a blatant violation of the company’s constitutional right to property.
The judgment further reaffirmed that every institution must exercise its powers in accordance with the law.
The EFCC had told the court that its investigation stemmed from a petition filed on behalf of Colleen Mero Yesufu concerning Plot 4022 in Guzape and Plots 1861 and 1862 in Katampe.
However, during cross-petition, Rebecca questioned the alleged roles of Colleen Mero Yesufu, Richard John Idakwogi of Rychado Homes Ltd, and Samuel I. Chime.
Accordingly, the court held that when the unlawful freezing of Homadil Realty’s account is viewed alongside the multiple forfeiture and property-related actions arising from the same dispute, it creates the appearance of a sustained campaign against Rebecca and her company rather than the balanced investigation expected of the EFCC.
The court judgment marked a significant victory for Rebecca and Homadil Realty Limited and reinforced the principle that no institution is above the law.
