After nearly two years of uncertainty and frustration, Port Harcourt-based tech entrepreneur, Israel Akukoma, has finally regained possession of his personal property previously seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The items, which include a Lexus ES 350 and an iPhone 13 Pro Max, were returned to Mr. Akukoma following a grueling 19-month period of detention by the commission.
A Lengthy Legal Limbo
The seizure, which took place back in September 2024, saw Mr. Akukoma’s assets held for over a year and a half without any formal charges being brought against him. The prolonged detention of his property which is vital to his daily operations as a tech entrepreneur had become a subject of growing concern and public discussion.
The release of the property came only after significant public scrutiny of the case, highlighting the growing demand for transparency and due process in asset recovery operations.
A Bittersweet Recovery
While the return of his belongings is a step toward closure, the situation remains far from ideal. Upon inspecting the recovered items, Mr. Akukoma expressed deep disappointment over their condition.
"It is a relief to have my property back, but the state in which they were returned is disheartening," Akukoma stated. The vehicle, which had been in the commission's custody, has sustained significant mechanical and cosmetic damage. Preliminary assessments indicate that the cost to restore the Lexus to its previous working condition is estimated to be over ₦2 million.
The Call for Accountability
This case has sparked fresh debate in Port Harcourt regarding the handling of seized assets. Many are now asking: Who bears the responsibility for the depreciation and damage of property held for months without a formal conviction?
For now, Mr. Akukoma is focused on getting his business back on track, but his experience serves as a stark reminder of the long, arduous road to justice for many entrepreneurs facing similar challenges with regulatory bodies.
What are your thoughts on the handling of this case? Should there be compensation for property damaged while in state custody? Let us know your take in the comments below.
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