by Cyrus Ademola
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has initiated legal proceedings against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming threats of arrest and prosecution following the end of his tenure. The lawsuit, filed by his attorney, Darlington Ozurumba, was presented to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Ozurumba informed the court of the withdrawal of the initial summons, stating it has been replaced with updated documentation, which he confirmed had been served to the EFCC. However, EFCC counsel Hadiza Afegbua noted she had yet to review these documents. Justice Abdulmalik remarked on the absence of proof of service in the court file and adjourned the case until November 11 for further proceedings.
The originating summons, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/773/2024 and filed on June 6, outlines seven inquiries and 11 requests for relief. Sanwo-Olu seeks a declaration affirming his rights to private life and property ownership under Sections 37, 43, and 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution, both during and after his public office.
He argues that any threats of investigation or detention from the EFCC during his governance are unconstitutional, infringing on his fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement. Sanwo-Olu claims that these actions are politically motivated harassment instigated by adversaries and constitute an abuse of executive power.
Furthermore, he requests an order to restrain the EFCC from intimidating or prosecuting him regarding matters related to his governance. He emphasizes the need for judicial protection of his rights, which include the freedom to own property and maintain personal liberty, as enshrined in both Nigerian law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.