‘Speculative’ – EFCC asks court to refuse Sanwo-Olu’s suit

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court, Abuja, to reject the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s fundamental rights enforcement suit because it was speculative.

Sanwo-Olu had through his counsel, Darlington Ozurumba, sued the commission over an alleged threat to arrest, detain, and prosecute him after his tenure in 2027.

In the originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/773/2024 filed on June 6, the governor raised seven questions and sought 11 reliefs.

Sanwo-Olu sought a declaration that under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution as a citizen of Nigeria, he is entitled to a right to private and family life before, during, and after occupation of public office.

He also asked the court to declare that the threat of his investigation, arrest, and detention by the EFCC during his tenure of office as governor is illegal.

READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu urges African leaders to develop effective health strategy

The governor prayed the court to declare that the incessant harassment, threat of arrest, and detention, against him at the instance of his political adversaries is a misuse of executive powers and abuse of public office.

He, therefore, sought an order restraining the EFCC from harassing, intimidating, and arresting him in connection with his tenure as the governor of Lagos State, among others.

However, the anti-corruption agency, in a counter affidavit filed by its counsel, Hadiza Afegbua, on October 31 insisted that the governor’s action in the instant suit is a mere conjecture.

In the affidavit seen by journalists on Monday, the EFCC said it has not threatened or taken any step at all to encroach on the governor’s right to freedom of movement nor violated his right to private and family life contrary to his claims.

The Lagos State government last month denied that the governor sued the EFCC over the planned infringement of his rights at the end of his tenure.

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