A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a legal suit by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu aimed at stopping the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting him after his tenure.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided over the case, struck it out after Sanwo-Olu’s legal team, led by Gbenga Femi Akande, filed a motion to discontinue the matter.
The case was initially scheduled for a hearing on November 26, but the suit was no longer listed for consideration.
Reports confirm that the case was withdrawn and officially struck out on October 31.
Sanwo-Olu had filed the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/773/2024, citing concerns about a potential arrest and prosecution by the EFCC after he leaves office.
In his suit, the governor claimed that the anti-graft agency was planning to violate his fundamental rights.
He raised seven questions and sought 11 legal reliefs to protect himself from what he described as possible harassment, intimidation, and detention by the EFCC.
Allegations of Political Targeting
Sanwo-Olu’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, argued that the governor was being targeted unfairly.
He stated that there were covert plans to arrest the governor and some of his associates.
“The plaintiff, as a citizen of Nigeria, is entitled to his right to privacy and protection from any form of harassment,” Ozurumba said.
He added that the alleged actions of the EFCC could be politically motivated, describing them as an abuse of power.
In a supporting affidavit, Martha Kanu, a litigation secretary in Sanwo-Olu’s legal team, claimed that EFCC officials were putting pressure on contractors and aides to implicate the governor.
Kanu said, “There are ongoing attempts to manufacture false allegations against the governor.”
She also alleged that some political opponents were behind the EFCC’s actions, using the anti-corruption body to settle scores.
“These accusations are baseless and meant to tarnish the governor’s image,” Kanu emphasized.
Governor’s Legal Arguments
Sanwo-Olu, through his legal team, argued that any action by the EFCC would violate his rights under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
The governor’s case cited sections protecting personal liberty, freedom of movement, and property rights.
He requested an order preventing the EFCC from arresting, detaining, or prosecuting him for actions carried out during his tenure.
Sanwo-Olu also asked for protection against the seizure of his assets and freezing of his family’s bank accounts.
EFCC Responds to Claims
In its counter-affidavit, the EFCC dismissed Sanwo-Olu’s fears as speculative.
The commission argued that it had no plans to arrest or prosecute the governor.
“The claims are unfounded and have no basis in fact,” EFCC’s lawyer, Hadiza Afegbua, stated.
Afegbua maintained that the commission had not taken any steps to infringe on Sanwo-Olu’s rights.
A Political Drama Unfolds
Legal experts believe the case highlights the tension between politicians and anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu’s decision to withdraw the suit has sparked public debate about the motives behind the legal action.
Some analysts suggest that the move may have been a precautionary measure amid growing scrutiny of public officials.
Others view it as a sign of strained relations between the Lagos State government and the EFCC.
