Former Minister sues EFCC for N1 Billion damages

Former Minister of Power and Steel under the administration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Olu Agunloye, has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by filing a lawsuit seeking N1 billion in damages.

The lawsuit revolves around allegations that the EFCC included Agunloye’s name on its wanted list published on the agency’s official website. The case, currently pending before Justice Emeka Nwite at a Federal High Court in Abuja and identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/167/2024, is scheduled for a hearing on April 18.

Agunloye, represented by his legal team led by Adeola Adedipe, SAN, is seeking six forms of relief through the lawsuit.

One of the key challenges raised by Olu Agunloye is questioning the EFCC‘s authority to lawfully exercise its discretion, powers, and functions as prescribed by relevant laws, without considering constitutional safeguards and judicial intervention.

Specifically, Agunloye contests the inclusion of his name on the wanted list without adherence to constitutional provisions outlined in the EFCC Act of 2004, the Police Act of 2020, and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), along with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015.

As part of his demands, Agunloye seeks an order for the immediate removal of his picture, name, and other particulars from the EFCC’s wanted list published on its official website or any related platform.

He also requests a perpetual injunction to prevent the EFCC and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) from declaring him wanted without judicial intervention or adherence to constitutional safeguards.

In addition to these legal remedies, Agunloye is seeking one billion naira in general damages from the defendants, particularly the EFCC, as well as reimbursement for the cost of the legal proceedings.