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The court ruled that while the EFCC may place an initial restriction on a bank account during an investigation, any extension of such restriction must first receive judicial approval. Instead of seeking the court's authorisation, the commission repeatedly issued directives instructing the bank to continue freezing the account.

Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac and Homadil Realty Limited have secured a major legal victory after the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) unlawfully froze the company’s bank account without obtaining the required court order.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/830/2025 on April 23, 2026, Justice M. A. Hassan held that the anti-graft agency acted outside its statutory powers by directing Zenith Bank Plc to maintain a “Post No Debit” restriction on Homadil Realty’s account beyond the period permitted by law.

The court ruled that while the EFCC may place an initial restriction on a bank account during an investigation, any extension of such restriction must first receive judicial approval. Instead of seeking the court’s authorisation, the commission repeatedly issued directives instructing the bank to continue freezing the account.

Justice Hassan described the action as a clear violation of Homadil Realty’s constitutional right to own and enjoy property, stressing that law enforcement agencies must exercise their powers strictly within the limits of the law.

He further emphasised that Nigeria is governed by the rule of law, noting that no government agency or institution is above the Constitution.

Consequently, the court ordered the EFCC to pay ₦2 million in damages to Homadil Realty Limited for what it described as a gross abuse of power. Zenith Bank was also directed to pay an additional ₦2 million for enforcing the unlawful directives, bringing the total compensation awarded to the company to ₦4 million.

The judgment marks a significant victory for Godwin-Isaac and Homadil Realty Limited, reinforcing the principle that investigative agencies must respect constitutional safeguards and due process in the exercise of their statutory powers.