EFCC, Bank Ordered to Pay ₦4m for Illegal Account Restriction

Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac and Homadil Realty Limited have secured a major legal victory after the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) unlawfully restricted the company’s bank account.

In a judgment delivered on April 23, 2026, 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 case was decided in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/830/2025.
The court ruled that while the EFCC could impose an initial restriction for a limited period, any extension required judicial authorisation. Justice Hassan described the continued restriction as a blatant violation of the company’s constitutional right to property, stressing that law enforcement agencies must operate within the limits of the law in a democratic society. The judgment reaffirmed that every institution must exercise its powers in accordance with the law.
During the proceedings, the EFCC informed 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. Rebecca’s cross-petition subsequently questioned the alleged roles of Colleen Mero Yesufu, Richard John Idakwogi of Rychado Homes Ltd, and Samuel I. Chime. The court observed that when the unlawful freezing of Homadil Realty’s account is viewed alongside the multiple criminal, 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.
Consequently, the court ordered the EFCC to pay Homadil Realty Limited ₦2 million as damages for gross abuse of power. Zenith Bank was also directed to pay an additional ₦2 million for complying with the unlawful directives, bringing the total compensation awarded to ₦4 million.
The judgment marks a significant victory for Rebecca and Homadil Realty Limited and reinforces the principle that no institution is above the law. It also serves as a reminder that the courts remain a vital avenue for protecting citizens’ rights and correcting unlawful actions by public authorities.