The High Court of Justice in Bauchi State has issued a contempt notice (Form 48) against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the agency’s Head of Economic Governance (EG1), Mr. Dare Folarin, in an ongoing legal dispute between the commission and four applicants.
A copy of the notice, obtained by our correspondent and dated March 12, 2025, warns that failure to comply with the court’s directive could result in a contempt conviction, potentially leading to imprisonment.
Barrister Ahmed Sani, counsel for the applicants, explained that the court had previously issued an order restraining the EFCC from taking any action against his clients—Aliyu Adamu and three others—until the case was resolved.
However, despite receiving the order and the originating motion, Folarin allegedly disregarded the court’s directive by continuing to harass, intimidate, and eventually arrest Adamu.
“In a blatant act of defiance, the EFCC team, led by Mr. Dare Folarin, stormed our client’s office, seized documents, and arrested him, in clear violation of the court order,” Sani stated. “This egregious abuse of power undermines our justice system and demands immediate attention.”
Sani further alleged that Folarin initially refused to accept service of Form 48 from the court bailiff, insisting that “the court cannot impede his work.” The bailiff was ultimately forced to serve the notice by throwing the documents at him.
Efforts to serve the EFCC Chairman were also reportedly met with resistance, with claims that Folarin chased the bailiff out of the EFCC premises and threatened to detain him.
“The bailiff has since sworn an affidavit confirming service,” Sani added. “If the EFCC and Mr. Dare Folarin continue to defy the court, we will proceed with serving Form 49 and initiate contempt proceedings against them.”
He urged the EFCC to comply with the court order to avoid further legal consequences.
