Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has filed a fundamental human rights suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged plans to arrest, detain, and prosecute him after his tenure expires. The governor claims the EFCC’s actions are unconstitutional and violate his fundamental rights.
– The suit, filed through Sanwo-Olu’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, alleges the EFCC is threatening to arrest him based on false information instigated by political adversaries.
– Sanwo-Olu seeks protection against EFCC’s alleged harassment and a declaration that the commission’s actions are a misuse of executive powers and abuse of public office.
– The governor is also seeking an order restraining the EFCC from seizing his property, passport, and travel documents or freezing his bank accounts.
The Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the case to November 11 for further mention after Ozurumba announced that he had replaced the original summons with a new one, which had been served to the EFCC. However, EFCC’s counsel, Hadiza Afegbua, denied receiving the documents.
Sanwo-Olu’s Demands:
– A declaration that he is entitled to right to private and family life as a citizen of Nigeria.
– A declaration that the EFCC’s threat of investigation, arrest, and detention is illegal.
– An order restraining the EFCC from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining, interrogating, or prosecuting him.
The outcome of this case will significantly impact the limits of the EFCC’s powers and the protection of governors’ rights in Nigeria.
