Rivers court slams EFCC with N15m fine for illegal invasion of Koko-Ama community

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

-Judge condemns rights violation, orders withdrawal of police from waterfront
-Community lawyer mulls appeal over ‘inadequate’ compensation

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to pay N15 million in damages to the Koko-Ama community in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, following a suit over alleged human rights violations.

The community had dragged the EFCC to court over a 2023 raid on their waterfront, during which operatives stormed the area in a bid to arrest suspected illegal oil bunkerers. In a fundamental rights enforcement suit, the residents demanded N100 billion in compensation, accusing the anti-graft agency of wrongful invasion and seizure of their land.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Rita Oguguo condemned the EFCC’s actions, ruling that the commission had no legal justification for invading an entire community while targeting a few individuals.

“The EFCC acted outside the bounds of the law,” Justice Oguguo declared. “Communities are not collateral damage in the pursuit of crime suspects.”

She consequently awarded N15 million in favour of the community and ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police officers stationed at the Koko-Ama waterfront, directing that the withdrawal be effected within 24 hours. She also cautioned the EFCC against any future operations that disregard the rights of citizens.

Outside the courtroom, lead counsel to the community, Chime Sunday, expressed displeasure over the amount awarded, hinting at a possible appeal.

“We welcome the judgment but are not satisfied with the compensation,” he told reporters. “The community will review the verdict and determine the next steps.”

The judgment marks a significant victory for the Koko-Ama community, which has long complained of neglect and repeated harassment by security operatives under the guise of anti-bunkering operations.