Lawyers representing Mrs Rebecca Omokamo Godwin-Isaac have petitioned the United Nations, European Union, United States Embassy, Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress, British High Commission and Canadian High Commission, alleging that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission violated her fundamental rights during an ongoing property dispute in Abuja.
The petitions, submitted by the law firm of Chief C.A.S. Oshomegie, SAN & Oshomegie & Co. and signed by Emaya J. Alibeku, urge the international bodies to press for humanitarian intervention rather than interfere with Nigeria’s judicial process.
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According to the legal team, the petitions do not seek a determination of ownership of the disputed property or intervention in any criminal investigation.
Instead, the lawyers argue that the priority is to prevent what they describe as deteriorating humanitarian conditions at the residence.
The lawyers alleged that EFCC operatives have occupied the property at Plot 4022, Guzape, Abuja, since 29 June 2026, during which water, electricity and cooking gas were allegedly disconnected.
They also claimed access to food, drinking water, medication and other basic necessities had been restricted.
According to the petitions, the alleged disconnection of utilities left occupants unable to cook or preserve food, while stored items reportedly spoiled, creating difficult living conditions.
The legal team further claimed that Rebecca’s husband, children, relatives and lawyers had faced restrictions on visiting her, resulting in the displacement of her children from the family home.
One of the petitions’ most serious allegations is that a worker inside the residence reportedly collapsed after prolonged deprivation of adequate food and water.
The lawyers described the incident as evidence of a critical humanitarian situation requiring urgent attention.
“We are not asking the international bodies to interfere with any criminal investigation or determine ownership of the disputed property,” the legal team stated, adding that the appeal was solely for humanitarian intervention and the protection of fundamental rights.
The petitions also challenge the legal basis for the EFCC’s continued occupation of the property.
According to the lawyers, the commission relied on an interim ex parte forfeiture order granted on 12 February 2026, which they argue expired after 14 days without renewal before the operation began on 29 June.
The legal team further contended that the Federal High Court ordered all parties on 3 July 2026 to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending determination of the substantive case.
The lawyers alleged that although the order was acknowledged by the EFCC, the agency failed to restore utilities or permit unrestricted access to the residence.
Addressing ownership of the property, the lawyers maintained that Rebecca lawfully purchased the land from Architect Richard Idakwogi John of Rychado Homes before constructing the residence.
They argued that ownership remains the subject of ongoing court proceedings and should be resolved through the judicial process.
The petitions also emphasise that Rebecca has not been convicted of any criminal offence and that no court has awarded ownership of the completed property to another party.
As part of the reliefs sought, the legal team requested an independent humanitarian assessment of those inside the residence, restoration of essential services, unrestricted family and legal access, compliance with the Federal High Court’s order and an independent investigation into the reported collapse of the worker.
The development comes amid heightened public scrutiny of the EFCC’s enforcement operations and renewed debate over balancing anti-corruption investigations with constitutional protections.
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At the time the petitions were publicised, the EFCC had not publicly responded to the specific allegations contained in the documents.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
