Sanwo-Olu takes EFCC to Court over alleged post-tenure arrest

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has filed a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), challenging an alleged plan by the commission to arrest him on unsubstantiated corruption charges post-tenure.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his legal counsel Darlington Ozurumba, brought the case before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court has set the hearing date for November 11.

In a supporting affidavit, Martha Kanu, a litigation secretary from the governor’s legal team, attested that the governor informed her of these claims during a teleconference.

She alleged that the anti-graft agency is orchestrating plans to target the governor’s associates and family members, accusing them of fund misappropriation based on baseless allegations.

Kanu further alleged that Commission officials are pressuring some of the governor’s aides to make incriminating statements, and contractors affiliated with the state are being coerced into providing statements implicating Sanwo-Olu in corrupt activities.

She claimed these moves are part of a broader attempt by certain political adversaries, in collaboration with EFCC officials, to create a fabricated case against the governor.

According to a report by Vanguard, the governor is seeking a court declaration affirming his constitutional rights, emphasizing that under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, he is entitled to private and family life, protected from unwarranted harassment, before, during, and after serving in public office.