Sanwo-Olu Sues EFCC, Seeks Protection From Alleged Post-Tenure Arrest, Corruption Charges

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has filed a legal suit against Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking protection from possible arrest and prosecution after his term ends. In the Federal High Court, Sanwo-Olu’s legal counsel, Darlington Ozurumba, highlighted that EFCC allegedly intends to detain and prosecute him based on corruption charges. The EFCC, represented by Hadiza Afegbua, noted that it had not yet received the updated court documents, prompting Justice Joyce Abdulmalik to adjourn the case to November 11.

Sanwo-Olu’s suit, filed under the case number FHC/ABJ/CS/773/2024, requests various legal protections, including the right to privacy, freedom from harassment, and ownership of property as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution. The governor argues that any EFCC action against him would violate his rights to personal liberty, privacy, and fair hearing, claiming that the EFCC’s purported plans are politically motivated and constitute an abuse of power.

A supporting affidavit from his law firm’s litigation secretary, Martha Kanu, alleges that EFCC officials are covertly pressuring Sanwo-Olu’s aides, family, and contractors to make incriminating statements against him and implicate his administration in corruption cases. The case continues as Sanwo-Olu seeks a court order preventing the EFCC from detaining him or seizing assets connected to him and his family.

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