The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is contesting a recent Federal High Court ruling that bars the agency from seizing properties connected to an alleged Ponzi scheme operated by Bliss Multinational Perfections Limited and its founder, Bribena.
The ruling was issued on September 4 by Justice Isa H. A. Dashen in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
According to the EFCC, the court’s decision came without its knowledge, as the agency claims it was not notified about the judgment date, thus denying it the opportunity for a fair hearing.
In a statement released on Friday, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, emphasized that the Commission was blindsided by the judgment and had not been served with relevant court processes.
The properties in question are believed to be proceeds of the Ponzi scheme, which allegedly defrauded 123 investors of over ₦2 billion by promising a 25 percent return on their investments.
Oyewale explained, “The September 4, 2024, judgment by Justice Dashen came as a surprise to the Commission since the EFCC was not notified of the judgment date.
“Denying the EFCC hearing notice was tantamount to blindsiding the Commission, and by extension, a denial of fair hearing in the instant case.
The Commission is therefore taking steps to appeal the judgment, which is still within the time allowed. An earlier decision by the court in a similar case involving the same defendants is currently on appeal at the appellate court in Port Harcourt.
Bliss Multinational Perfection and Arch Oyinmiebi Bribena were investigated and indicted for investment fraud in which 123 petitioners lost over ₦2 billion to the suspects, who promised them a 25 percent return on investment but neither received the promised return nor recovered the invested funds.
The Commission wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law and will not willfully violate any court order.”
