The High Court of Justice, Bauchi State, has issued a contempt notice (Form 48) against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Head of Economic Governance (EG1), Mr. Dare Folarin, in an ongoing legal battle between the commission and four applicants.

A copy of the contempt notice, obtained by our correspondent and dated March 12, 2025, warns that unless the EFCC officials comply with the court’s directive, they will be found guilty of contempt and could face imprisonment.

Barrister Ahmed Sani, counsel to the applicants, explained that the court had issued an order restraining the EFCC from taking any action against his clients—Aliyu Adamu and three others—until the suit was determined.

However, despite being served with the order and the originating motion, Folarin allegedly defied 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 said. “This egregious abuse of power undermines our justice system and demands immediate attention.”

According to Sani, Folarin initially refused to accept service of Form 48 from the court bailiff, arguing that “the court cannot impede his work.”

The bailiff was eventually forced to serve him by throwing the court documents at him.

Sani further alleged that attempts to serve the EFCC Chairman with Form 48 were also met with resistance, as Folarin allegedly 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 disobey 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 legal consequences.

EFCC chairman, official face jail over contempt of court