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Babajide Sanwo-Olu has rebutted reports claiming he filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged plan to arrest and prosecute him after his tenure.
The Lagos state governor addressed the claims in a statement released by the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lawal Pedro, on Tuesday.
The statement read:
“Our attention has been drawn to the news circulating in a section of the media, titled ‘Sanwo-Olu Sues EFCC Over Alleged Plan to Arrest, Prosecute Him After Tenure.’ Mr. Sanwo-Olu did not sue the EFCC in any court, as he has no reason to do so.”
The statement also has it that Sanwo-Olu, who still has nearly three years left in office and enjoys immunity, has not been investigated or contacted by the EFCC regarding any allegations.
The Attorney General clarified that the governor has remained committed to integrity, prudent resource management, and service delivery in Lagos State, and is focused on improving the lives of Lagosians.
Alleged Reports
Earlier reports had suggested that Sanwo-Olu had filed a lawsuit through his lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The initial lawsuit, reportedly filed in June, sought to prevent any EFCC actions against him over alleged misconduct after his term.
When the matter came up for mention on Tuesday, the plaintiff’s lawyer informed the court of an amended originating summons.
However, EFCC counsel Hadiza Afegbua stated she had not yet reviewed the updated documents, leading Justice Abdulmalik to adjourn the case until November 11.
The originating summons reportedly included claims that EFCC threats violated Sanwo-Olu’s constitutional rights, particularly sections covering private life, liberty, and freedom from harassment.
The governor sought various declarations to restrain EFCC from intimidating him or seizing his assets post-tenure.
In an affidavit supporting the summons, it was alleged that EFCC officials had been pressuring Sanwo-Olu’s aides and contractors to make statements against him as part of a potential case.
Sanwo-Olu was first sworn in as governor in 2019 and re-elected for a second term in 2023.
