Appeal Court Asked To Halt Forfeiture Of 52 Lekki Homes

Fieldreams Limited, its promoter Ifeanyi Nweke, and Amex Savings and Loans Limited have approached the Court of Appeal in Lagos, seeking to overturn a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the final forfeiture of 52 terrace and maisonette units at Mercyville Estate, located within the Lekki Peninsula Scheme in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

According to Ireporter Online, the appellants are also requesting a stay of execution of the July 14, 2026 judgment pending the outcome of their appeal.

Through their lawyer, Victor Ukutt, the parties filed a motion urging the appellate court to suspend the enforcement of the forfeiture order. They are alternatively asking the court to preserve the properties and maintain the existing situation until the appeal process is concluded.

The respondents in the matter include the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, and 17 other individuals named as beneficiaries in the forfeiture order.

The appellants argued that implementing the judgment before the appeal is determined could make their legal challenge ineffective and negatively affect their constitutional right to seek redress.

They further contended that the Federal High Court’s decision effectively transferred ownership of the 52 housing units to private individuals, arguing that under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, forfeited assets should be vested in the Federal Government rather than private beneficiaries.

In their appeal notice, the appellants raised several grounds against the judgment delivered by Justice Alexander Owoeye, including claims of lack of jurisdiction, improper interpretation of forfeiture laws, and alleged denial of fair hearing.

They maintained that there was insufficient evidence presented before the trial court to prove that the properties were acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, the Money Laundering Act, or other relevant laws enforced by the EFCC.

The Court of Appeal is now expected to consider the request as the legal dispute over the ownership and forfeiture of the Lekki properties continues.