Ex-Obasanjo Minister Sues EFCC, Seeks N1 Billion Over Wanted Listing

Ex-Obasanjo Minister Sues EFCC, Seeks N1 Billion Over Wanted Listing

Obasanjo’s Former Minister Takes EFCC to Court, Seeks N1 Billion After Wanted Declaration Former Minister of Power and Steel during the tenure of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Olu Agunloye, has initiated legal action by filing a N1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)…..READ ALSO

Naija News reports that the lawsuit stems from allegations that the EFCC included Agunloye’s name on its wanted list published on the agency’s website.

The lawsuit, currently before Justice Emeka Nwite at a Federal High Court in Abuja and identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/167/2024, has Agunloye as the plaintiff, represented by his legal team led by Adeola Adedipe, SAN, and is scheduled for a hearing on April 18.

Agunloye is seeking six forms of relief, including a declaration challenging the EFCC’s authority to lawfully exercise its discretion, powers, and functions as prescribed in Sections 1(2)(c), 6, 7, 13 of the EFCC Act, 2004, and Section 4 of the Police Act 2020, through the public declaration of him as wanted on its official website or any other relevant platform.

Agunloye contends that this action occurred without consideration of any safeguards in Sections 34({1)(a), 35, 37, 39, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which involve judicial intervention, orders, or court permissions as per Sections 1(1), 8(1), & 42(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

He has requested an order for the EFCC, its agents, representatives, privies, and other related affiliates to immediately remove his picture, name, references, details, and any other particulars from the wanted list published on its official website or any other related platform.

Furthermore, Agunloye seeks a perpetual injunction to prevent the EFCC and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) from declaring him wanted in relation to the lawsuit without judicial intervention or adherence to constitutional safeguards.

Additionally, he is demanding one billion naira in general damages from the defendants, particularly the EFCC, along with the cost of legal action.