The call was made on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja addressed by legal practitioner Dr. Maxwell Chibuike Opara, who described the events at Plot 4022, O.B. Lulu-Briggs Street, Guzape, on Monday, June 29, as “a manifestation of institutional anarchy and state-sponsored lawlessness.”
Opara alleged that EFCC operatives enforcing a valid court order encountered armed police officers stationed at the property, which is the subject of an interim forfeiture order in a criminal case involving Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac, also known as Hajia Bilikisu.
According to him, unidentified armed men at the property allegedly used chemical sprays and tear gas against the anti-graft agency’s operatives and threatened to shoot them before the EFCC eventually secured the premises.
He further claimed that EFCC operatives overpowered the officers during the confrontation, arresting two of them while others reportedly fled.
“We are calling on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately investigate who deployed those officers to the property and under whose authority they acted,” Opara said.
“Nigerians deserve to know why police officers were providing protection to an individual occupying a property that is subject to a valid court forfeiture order.
“The two arrested officers are currently in custody. We also have information indicating that a large quantity of ammunition was recovered from the house.
“We call on the current Inspector-General of Police: if you are not a party to this illegality, you should immediately order a comprehensive investigation and address Nigerians on this matter. This is an assault on the rule of law and on Nigeria as a nation.”
The group questioned why police officers were allegedly attached to the suspect despite the Federal Government’s directive withdrawing police escorts from unauthorised individuals.
“This woman is neither a politically exposed person nor someone entitled to police protection, yet she was allegedly surrounded by armed officers who resisted law enforcement officials carrying out a lawful court order,” Opara added.
The lawyers and INAHURAT commended the EFCC for enforcing the interim forfeiture order, describing the commission’s action as a demonstration of commitment to the rule of law.
“We commend public officials when they do the right thing, and we condemn them when they do otherwise,” Opara said.
“The EFCC Chairman has demonstrated courage by ensuring that justice is done and the rule of law is upheld.”
Opara stated that the property belongs to 80-year-old widow, Collen Mero Yesufu, who has allegedly been denied access to her home despite several court orders directing that possession be restored to her.
He alleged that Rebecca Bilikisu refused to vacate the property and forged ownership documents, prompting an EFCC investigation after attempts to seek redress through the Nigeria Police Force were allegedly frustrated.
“The EFCC carried out a thorough investigation, filed charges against her, and secured an interim forfeiture order from the Federal High Court directing that the property be taken over,” he said.
The group also renewed allegations against officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), claiming they fraudulently issued a second Nigerian passport to the suspect while her original passport was allegedly in government custody as part of ongoing court proceedings.
According to the group, the passport was processed through a prohibited “non-appearance” procedure without the suspect physically presenting herself for biometric capture.
INAHURAT urged the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service to investigate the allegations, warning that any compromise of the passport issuance process could pose serious national security risks.
The organisation disclosed that senior lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) had petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, seeking a criminal investigation into the alleged issuance of the passport.
It also appealed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to issue a fiat authorising the Federal Government to take over the ongoing police prosecution involving the suspect, arguing that the case had allegedly been compromised.
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