UNITED STATES v. Alexander Ezeah, Movant-Appellant. (2019)

ORDER AND JUDGMENT *

After examining the briefs and appellate record, this panel has determined unanimously that oral argument would not materially assist in the determination of this appeal. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(a)(2); 10th Cir. R. 34.1(G). The case is therefore ordered submitted without oral argument.

Alexander Ezeah is the registered agent of appellant, Fabrose Company Nigeria, Ltd., d/b/a Fabross Property Ventures (“Fabross”). On February 18, 2016, the United States commenced a civil in rem forfeiture action against property owned by Fabross located at 3347 Chartreuse Way, Houston, Texas. The claim Fabross filed in the civil forfeiture matter was stricken by the district court when Fabross failed to comply with an order of the court. Judgment was thereafter entered in favor of the United States on June 20, 2018.

Both the notice of appeal and the opening brief in this matter were signed by Ezeah, who is not an attorney. “It has been the law for the better part of two centuries ․ that a corporation may appear in the federal courts only through licensed counsel.” Rowland v. Cal. Men’s Colony, 506 U.S. 194, 201-02, 113 S.Ct. 716, 121 L.Ed.2d 656 (1993). Because Ezeah cannot represent Fabross in this appeal, it is dismissed.

Michael R. Murphy, Circuit Judge