Rights Violation
OpenLife News reports that formal human rights petitions have been submitted to the United Nations, the European Union, the United States Embassy, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the United States Congress, the British High Commission and the Canadian High Commission over the treatment of Mrs Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac during an ongoing dispute involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The petitions, filed by C.S.A Oshomegie SAN & Oshomegie & co, allege that EFCC operatives have remained at Rebecca’s residence in Guzape, Abuja, since June 29, 2026, and accuse the commission of violating her fundamental rights by denying her access to basic necessities and restricting contact with her family and legal representatives.
According to the complaints filed by Rebecca’s legal team, she has allegedly been denied uninterrupted access to water, electricity, cooking gas, food, medical care and confidential meetings with her lawyers while EFCC operatives continue to occupy the property.
The petitions further allege that members of her family, including her children, have been displaced from the residence and that access by relatives and counsel has been severely restricted.
Her lawyers argued that the situation has created serious humanitarian and health concerns for those inside the premises.
Among the allegations contained in the petitions is the claim that a worker on the property allegedly collapsed after prolonged deprivation of adequate food and water.
The petitions urge international bodies to examine whether the reported conditions comply with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
Rebecca’s legal team maintains that the interim ex parte forfeiture order relied upon by the EFCC was granted on February 12, 2026, and expired after 14 days without being renewed or replaced by another court order before the commission’s operation at the residence on June 29.
They contend that no valid and subsisting order currently authorises the continued occupation of the property by EFCC operatives.
The lawyers also argue that a pending forfeiture proceeding does not permit continued physical occupation of the residence without judicial authorisation.
The petitions further state that the Federal High Court, on July 3, 2026, ordered parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive case.
According to Rebecca’s lawyers, the order was served on and acknowledged by the EFCC but has not been fully complied with.
They allege that the conditions that existed before June 29—including unrestricted family access and the availability of utilities—have not been restored.
Rebecca maintains that she lawfully purchased the land from Architect Richard Idakwogi John of Rychado Homes, paid valuable consideration and constructed the family residence with her personal resources.
Her legal team argues that competing ownership claims over the property are already before competent courts and should be resolved through the judicial process.
They also stress that Rebecca has not been convicted of any criminal offence and that no court has made a final determination regarding ownership of the property.
In the petitions, Rebecca’s lawyers urged the international organisations to monitor the matter and called for what they described as respect for court orders, due process and the protection of her fundamental rights.
They also called on the EFCC to restore access to essential utilities, allow unrestricted family and legal access and vacate the residence unless it is able to produce a valid court order authorising its continued presence.
About Author
