The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently asked Nigeria’s Federal High Court to dismiss Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s suit, in which he seeks protection from possible arrest and prosecution after leaving office. Sanwo-Olu had filed a lawsuit requesting that the EFCC be prevented from arresting or investigating him in connection with alleged corruption during his tenure, citing constitutional rights to private and family life, freedom of movement, and property ownership. The governor argued that such actions would violate these rights and amount to political harassment from opponents using the EFCC.
The EFCC, however, labeled the claims “speculative,” as no official charges have been filed against Sanwo-Olu. They argued that the court should dismiss the suit as premature, noting that no immediate or real threat of prosecution has been made public by the agency. In response, Sanwo-Olu’s legal team emphasized ongoing alleged harassment of his associates by the EFCC and accused political adversaries of using the agency to undermine his reputation.
The court is scheduled to continue reviewing this case, which has significant implications for political figures in Nigeria regarding post-office legal protection and the role of anti-corruption agencies in governance.
