The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has opposed the fundamental right enforcement suit filed by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, asking a Federal High Court in Abuja to reject the reliefs sought by the governor.
In its counter affidavit, the EFCC described the suit as speculative, stating that there was no factual basis for Sanwo-Olu’s claims of harassment or threats of arrest.
Sanwo-Olu, in his suit filed in June, sought a declaration that his right to privacy and family life, as outlined in Nigeria’s Constitution, should be protected even after his tenure as governor. He also asked the court to declare that any potential threat of investigation, arrest, or detention by the EFCC was illegal and politically motivated. The governor claimed that his political opponents had instigated the EFCC’s alleged actions based on false accusations of corruption.
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In response, the EFCC, through its legal representative, Hadiza Afegbua, denied all claims made by Sanwo-Olu, insisting that the anti-graft agency had not threatened, investigated, or taken any steps to violate his rights. The EFCC’s counter affidavit, deposed by Ufuoma Ezire, a litigation officer in the agency, firmly denied the allegations of intimidation and harassment and asserted that the entire suit was based on conjecture.
According to the EFCC, there was no petition or intelligence that warranted any action against the governor, and the agency had never invited him or his aides for questioning. The agency further stated that all its operations, including invitations for interviews or interrogations, are carried out with full transparency, including written communication and proper identification of officers.
The EFCC stressed that the suit was misleading and urged the court to dismiss the application in the interest of justice. The case was adjourned to November 26 for further proceedings, though sources suggest that the matter may be withdrawn by Sanwo-Olu’s legal team before the next hearing.
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