The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to reject the reliefs sought by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his fundamental rights enforcement suit. The EFCC argues that the governor’s claims are speculative and without merit.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a counter affidavit filed in opposition to Sanwo-Olu’s originating summons, the EFCC contended that the governor’s accusations were unfounded. The suit, filed by Sanwo-Olu through his legal representative, Darlington Ozurumba, challenges what he claims are threats of arrest, detention, and prosecution after his tenure as governor.

Sanwo-Olu’s legal team filed the suit on June 6, 2024, seeking various declarations, including one affirming his right to privacy, both during and after his time in office, as per Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution. Additionally, he requested the court to rule that any potential investigation, arrest, or detention by the EFCC would be illegal, invoking Sections 35(1) & (4) and 41(1) of the Constitution. Sanwo-Olu also requested an order to prevent the EFCC from engaging in any form of harassment or prosecution related to his time as governor.

In its response, the EFCC, represented by lawyer Hadiza Afegbua, denied that any action had been taken against the governor or his staff. The commission’s affidavit, filed on October 31, 2024, emphasized that the EFCC had neither invited the governor for questioning nor taken any steps that would violate his constitutional rights. The EFCC further disputed the allegations, claiming that the depositions made by the governor in his affidavit were not true and were intended to mislead the court.

Ufuoma Ezire, a Litigation Secretary at the EFCC, deposed that the commission had no knowledge of any threat to arrest Sanwo-Olu or his aides, nor any indication of an ongoing investigation into his administration. The EFCC argued that the suit was based on mere conjecture, without any substantiated claims to support the governor’s fears.

The EFCC insisted that there was no foundation for the governor’s claims, and emphasized that the agency had not engaged in any harassment, intimidation, or undue interference with Sanwo-Olu’s rights. The commission urged the court to reject the suit, describing the governor’s actions as an attempt to mislead the court and avoid scrutiny.

In conclusion, the EFCC argued that the governor’s application should be dismissed in the interest of justice, as the claims presented were unfounded.