Metro proceedings in a ₦152 million property dispute before a Lagos High Court in Osborne, Ikoyi, were put on hold until April 22, 2026, due to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) failure to serve its final written address on parties. The dispute revolves around two luxury apartments in Victoria Island, involving Lagos businessman Olukayode Olusanya and Nigerian-American engineer Anthony Ugbebor. Olusanya and his firm, Oak Homes Limited, filed the case, alleging trespass on two second-floor apartments at No. 14A Musa Yar'Adua Street, Victoria Island.
The court had scheduled the matter for adoption of final written addresses, but the EFCC's counsel, E.S. Okongbu, confirmed that the Commission filed its final written address on March 4, 2026, and apologised for not serving it in line with the court's directive. The EFCC operative, Emmanuel Adide, testified that the Commission was not instructed by Ugbebor to recover funds from Olusanya, but rather to investigate alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining by false pretence.
The court directed the EFCC to immediately serve its processes on all parties and adjourned the matter to April 22, 2026, for adoption of final written addresses.
The EFCC's failure to serve its final written address on parties in the ₦152 million Lagos property dispute raises serious questions about the Commission's efficiency and commitment to upholding the law. The case highlights the need for the EFCC to improve its service delivery, particularly in high-stakes matters involving luxury properties. The court's directive for the EFCC to serve its processes on all parties underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the Commission's operations. This dispute has significant implications for everyday Nigerians, who rely on the EFCC to protect their rights and interests. The EFCC must take concrete steps to rectify its service failure and ensure that justice is served in this matter.
