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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging plans to arrest, detain, and prosecute him once his tenure ends.
The suit was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja by Sanwo-Olu’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba.
On Tuesday, Mr. Ozurumba informed the court of a revised summons replacing an earlier one, which has been served to the EFCC.
However, EFCC’s counsel, Hadiza Afegbua, noted she hadn’t received the new documents, leading Justice Abdulmalik to adjourn the case until November 11.
In the originating summons, Governor Sanwo-Olu raised seven legal questions and requested 11 court declarations.
He sought a ruling affirming his right to private and family life under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, both during and after his term.
He also requested a declaration that he is entitled to own property, including bank accounts, before, during, and after holding office, under Sections 43 and 44(1) of the Constitution.
Sanwo-Olu contended that any attempt by the EFCC to investigate, arrest, or detain him during his tenure is unlawful, infringing on his rights to personal liberty and in of movement as outlined in Sections 35 and 41 of the Constitution.
He further argued that the alleged harassment and threats against him are politically motivated, orchestrated by his adversaries in an abuse of power.
Additionally, the governor is seeking court orders to prevent the EFCC from arresting, detaining, or prosecuting him, freezing his bank accounts, or seizing his property after his tenure.
He claimed these actions would violate his constitutional rights.
The supporting affidavit, signed by litigation secretary Martha Kanu, accuses the EFCC of pressuring the governor’s aides and contractors to provide statements implicating him.
According to Kanu, this alleged pressure campaign is part of a coordinated effort by political opponents and some EFCC officials to construct a baseless case against the governor.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who began his second term on May 29, 2023, argued that the EFCC’s actions threaten his rights and his administration’s legacy.