Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging threats of arrest, detention, and prosecution once he leaves office.
Represented by his lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, Sanwo-Olu claims that the EFCC’s actions, allegedly driven by political motives, violate his constitutional rights.
During the case’s initial hearing on Tuesday, Ozurumba informed the court that a new originating summons had been filed and served to the EFCC, although the EFCC’s counsel, Hadiza Afegbua said she had yet to receive the documents. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until November 11.
In his summons, Sanwo-Olu is seeking several declarations to protect his constitutional rights to privacy, property, and personal liberty, as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution. He argues that EFCC’s alleged threats to investigate, detain, and potentially freeze his assets are illegal, contending they represent an abuse of power and harassment instigated by political opponents.
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The governor also seeks court orders to prohibit the EFCC from any further attempts to detain, interrogate, or prosecute him concerning his term as Lagos State governor. He alleges that EFCC officials are pressuring his aides and contractors to make statements implicating him in corruption. Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu asserts that certain political rivals are working with EFCC agents to fabricate claims to build a case against him post-tenure.
In the affidavit supporting his claim, Sanwo-Olu states that these alleged actions amount to a malicious campaign aimed at undermining his administration. He requests the court’s intervention to secure his right to personal freedom, property, and protection from harassment both during and after his term in office.
The case underscores growing tensions as Sanwo-Olu, who was re-elected for a second term in 2023, contends with ongoing scrutiny from the EFCC.
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