Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that the agency is threatening to arrest, detain, and prosecute him after his term ends.

Sanwo-Olu filed the suit through his lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at a Federal High Court in Abuja.
During a recent court session, Ozurumba informed Justice Abdulmalik that he had withdrawn the initial summons and submitted a revised one. He confirmed that the EFCC had been served with the updated court documents, although the agency’s counsel, Hadiza Afegbua, stated she had not yet seen them. Due to the absence of proof of service in the court file, the judge adjourned the case until November 11.

In the revised summons, filed on June 6, Sanwo-Olu presented seven legal questions and requested 11 specific declarations from the court. He argued that as a Nigerian citizen, he has the constitutional right to privacy and a private life, both during and after his time in public office.

Sanwo-Olu also sought a declaration affirming his right to own and manage property, including bank accounts, during and after his time as governor, under Sections 43 and 44(1) of the Constitution. Additionally, he argued that the EFCC’s investigation, arrest, and detention threats violate his constitutional rights to personal freedom and movement as outlined in Sections 35(1) & (4) and 41(1) of the Constitution.

He claimed that the threats against him stem from politically motivated accusations of corruption, allegedly orchestrated by political rivals to misuse executive power. Sanwo-Olu called for the court to protect him from harassment and intimidation by the EFCC and prevent the agency from arresting, interrogating, or prosecuting him concerning his tenure.

Further, Sanwo-Olu requested that the court bar the EFCC from seizing his assets, travel documents, or bank accounts, as well as those of his family, and argued that any such action would infringe on his fundamental rights under the Constitution.

In support of the summons, litigation secretary Martha Kanu deposed an affidavit, stating that during a teleconference, Sanwo-Olu informed her that the EFCC has allegedly been pressuring his aides and contractors to make statements implicating him in corruption. Kanu claimed the EFCC is allegedly working with some of the governor’s political opponents to build a false corruption case against him.

Sanwo-Olu began his first term as governor on May 29, 2019, and was re-elected on May 29, 2023.