Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Files Suit Against EFCC, Citing Threats of Post-Tenure Prosecution

 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has initiated legal action against Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), challenging alleged threats to investigate, arrest, and prosecute him after he leaves office. Filed by his lawyer Darlington Ozurumba, the case was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

During a recent hearing on October 29, Ozurumba informed the court of his decision to withdraw the initial summons, replacing it with updated documents that he confirmed had been served to the EFCC. However, the EFCC’s counsel, Hadiza Afegbua, stated she had yet to receive these updated filings, prompting Justice Abdulmalik to adjourn the case until November 11.

Sanwo-Olu’s new filing includes seven legal questions and seeks eleven distinct remedies. Among his requests, the governor is urging the court to affirm his rights to privacy, property, and movement, as guaranteed by Sections 35, 37, 41, 43, and 44 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, both during and after his time in office. The governor contends that the EFCC’s alleged plans to investigate and potentially detain him while still serving as governor violate these constitutional rights.

In his filing, Sanwo-Olu describes the ongoing threats and alleged harassment as politically motivated. He claims that the EFCC is acting on behalf of his adversaries, who he says are using unfounded allegations to undermine his administration. His court plea also includes a request for protection against seizure of assets, freezing of bank accounts, and confiscation of his family’s travel documents.

The affidavit supporting the case, filed by Martha Kanu, a litigation secretary in Ozurumba’s firm, alleges that EFCC officials are pressuring some of Sanwo-Olu’s aides and contractors associated with Lagos State projects to implicate him in corruption. According to Kanu, EFCC officials are purportedly trying to create a fabricated case by coaxing these individuals to make statements against the governor.

Sanwo-Olu is now asking the court to prevent the EFCC from any actions that may violate his rights, including harassment, detention, and prosecution, both during and after his term as governor.