By Edeh John, Abuja
Fresh questions have been raised over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) alleged failure to restore basic utilities at a disputed property in Abuja, as the ordeal of Mrs. Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac reportedly entered its 15th day.
Mrs. Godwin-Isaac, who claims an interest in Plot 4022, Guzape District, Abuja, alleged that she has continued to live without water, electricity and cooking gas since June 29, 2026, following the presence of EFCC operatives at the property.
According to a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the continued disconnection of the utilities has left her unable to cook or live under normal conditions, despite a pending court process over ownership of the property.
The dispute is the subject of proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/151/2026, involving competing claims to the property by Mrs. Godwin-Isaac and Hajiya Colleen Mero Yesufu.
The statement drew attention to the EFCC's written address filed in support of its motion for clarification and/or variation of an order made by the court on July 3, 2026. According to the document, the Commission acknowledged that the phrase status quo ante bellum refers to the "state of affairs existing before the beginning of hostilities" or before the dispute arose.
The statement argued that if the court ordered parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, then the conditions that existed before June 29 should be restored.
It maintained that before the dispute, Mrs. Godwin-Isaac allegedly had uninterrupted access to water, electricity and cooking gas and lived peacefully in the residence, contending that the present situation does not reflect the pre-dispute position described in the court filings.
The statement further argued that forfeiture proceedings should not be interpreted in a manner that effectively determines ownership of a disputed property before the substantive issues are decided by the court.
It also expressed concern that prolonged deprivation of essential services could pose serious risks to health, safety and human dignity, urging authorities to ensure that all actions relating to the property remain consistent with the rule of law and the orders of the court.
Mrs. Godwin-Isaac appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations, women's groups, religious leaders and other stakeholders to intervene in the matter.
She called for the restoration of water, electricity and cooking gas at the property while awaiting the court's determination of the ownership dispute, insisting that compliance with judicial orders should be reflected not only in legal submissions but also in actions on the ground.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the EFCC to the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. The Commission had not publicly responded to the latest claims.
