A fierce legal battle erupted at the Federal High Court in Lagos when judges ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to leave Goodwill Private Schools Limited's property in Ikorodu immediately. The dramatic ruling came after an intense courtroom showdown where the school's legal team skillfully challenged the commission's occupation of their premises.
Justice O.A. Owoeye carefully listened to passionate arguments from both sides. The school's lead lawyer, Benson Enikuomehin, spearheaded a robust defense, arguing that the EFCC's actions violated legal protocols. He pointed out critical flaws in how the property was seized, emphasizing that the interim forfeiture was improperly obtained through an ex parte application instead of following standard legal procedures.
The school's legal team argued that their property was legitimately acquired through a standard banking transaction with First City Monument Bank and did not represent proceeds from criminal activity. They sharply criticized the EFCC for handing over the property to a private individual, stressing that only the Federal Government could legally benefit from such forfeitures under non-conviction proceedings.
The dispute had significant practical consequences. EFCC operatives had occupied the school since February 27, completely halting academic activities and disrupting critical exam preparations for students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination. The school's lawyers highlighted how these actions were causing substantial educational disruption.
After carefully weighing the arguments, Justice Owoeye sided with the school. He ordered the EFCC to vacate the premises immediately and stop interfering with school operations. The judge promised to communicate a future date for making a final decision on the comprehensive legal matter. This ruling represents a significant victory for the school and a stern reminder about proper legal procedures in property seizures.
Justice O.A. Owoeye carefully listened to passionate arguments from both sides. The school's lead lawyer, Benson Enikuomehin, spearheaded a robust defense, arguing that the EFCC's actions violated legal protocols. He pointed out critical flaws in how the property was seized, emphasizing that the interim forfeiture was improperly obtained through an ex parte application instead of following standard legal procedures.
The school's legal team argued that their property was legitimately acquired through a standard banking transaction with First City Monument Bank and did not represent proceeds from criminal activity. They sharply criticized the EFCC for handing over the property to a private individual, stressing that only the Federal Government could legally benefit from such forfeitures under non-conviction proceedings.
The dispute had significant practical consequences. EFCC operatives had occupied the school since February 27, completely halting academic activities and disrupting critical exam preparations for students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination. The school's lawyers highlighted how these actions were causing substantial educational disruption.
After carefully weighing the arguments, Justice Owoeye sided with the school. He ordered the EFCC to vacate the premises immediately and stop interfering with school operations. The judge promised to communicate a future date for making a final decision on the comprehensive legal matter. This ruling represents a significant victory for the school and a stern reminder about proper legal procedures in property seizures.
