Sanwo-Olu Seeks Court Protection from EFCC Prosecution

Lagos Governor Files Suit to Block EFCC Arrest

 

“I am on my feet today to plead with my colleagues and Mr. Speaker, that this matter is serious enough and it...”

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Files Lawsuit Against EFCC Over Alleged Corruption Probe & Asset Seizure

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that the commission plans to arrest, detain, and prosecute him once he completes his tenure on May 28, 2027. Sanwo-Olu's lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 6, 2024, seeks to protect his fundamental rights, including his right to private and family life, as guaranteed by Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

The governor argues that the alleged plot to detain him is unconstitutional and infringes on his fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement, as outlined in Sections 35(1) & (4) and 41(1) of the Constitution. He is requesting the court to issue an order preventing the EFCC from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining, interrogating, or prosecuting him regarding his role as governor.

Martha Kanu, a litigation secretary with Sanwo-Olu's law firm, has supported the lawsuit, claiming that the EFCC is making covert plans to arrest the governor's aides and family members based on “false and spurious” allegations of fund diversion. Kanu also alleges that the EFCC is pressuring contractors engaged with Lagos State projects to implicate Sanwo-Olu in corruption.

Aspects of the Lawsuit:

Constitutional Rights: Sanwo-Olu seeks protection of his rights to private and family life, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.

Alleged EFCC Actions: The governor claims the EFCC plans to arrest, detain, and prosecute him after his tenure ends.

Relief Sought: Sanwo-Olu requests a court order preventing the EFCC from harassing, intimidating, or prosecuting him.

The lawsuit aims to prevent the EFCC from seizing his properties, international passport, travel documents, or freezing his and his family's bank accounts.

Martha Kanu, supporting the suit, revealed that Sanwo-Olu shared details of the case during a teleconference meeting. She alleged that the EFCC plans to arrest the governor's aides and family members based on unfounded claims of fund misappropriation. Kanu also accused EFCC officials of coercing aides to provide incriminating statements against Sanwo-Olu and threatening contractors involved in state projects.

Allegations Against EFCC:

Unfounded Allegations: EFCC allegedly plans to arrest governor's aides and family members based on false claims of fund misappropriation.

Coercion: EFCC officials accused of pressuring aides to provide incriminating statements against Sanwo-Olu.

Threats: Contractors involved in state projects allegedly threatened by EFCC.

Lawsuit Objectives:

° Prevent EFCC from seizing Sanwo-Olu's properties.

° Stop EFCC from seizing his international passport and travel documents.

° Prevent freezing of bank accounts belonging to Sanwo-Olu and his family.

“I am on my feet today to plead with my colleagues and Mr. Speaker, that this matter is serious enough and it impinges on our collective integrity. It attacks the conscience of the average Nigerian. It derogates on the image and the expectation of the public of what we stand for as a House. We have to demonstrate to the public that voted for us that we recognise them. We are pained. We are offended. We are not happy about it.”

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, made some significant moves in court yesterday, October 29. He withdrew the initial lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and replaced it with a new one. Ozurumba confirmed that the EFCC had received the updated documents.

However, EFCC's representative, Hadiza Afegbua, wasn't ready to proceed just yet. She claimed she hadn't reviewed the new documents and couldn't find the proof of service in the court file.

Judge Joyce Abdulmalik has adjourned the case until November 11, giving both parties time to get their ducks in a row.

Interestingly, there's been a conflicting report from Sanwo-Olu himself, denying any plans to sue the EFCC. The governor called the reports “a lie” through the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lawal Pedro.

Case Update:

New Lawsuit Filed: Sanwo-Olu's lawyer substituted the initial lawsuit with a new one.

EFCC's Response: EFCC representative Hadiza Afegbua needs time to review new documents.

Next Court Date: November 11.

Governor's Stance: Sanwo-Olu denies plans to sue EFCC.