Just In: Gov. Sanwo-Olu Denies Legal Action Against EFCC, Says Lagos Govt
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Lagos State Government has refuted reports claiming Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the media reports, Sanwo-Olu was rumored to have initiated legal action, alleging potential threats of arrest, detention, and prosecution following his term as governor. The alleged suit, described as a fundamental rights enforcement action, was supposedly filed by Sanwo-Olu’s attorney, Darlington Ozurumba, with Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During a recent court session, Ozurumba was reported to have withdrawn an initial originating summons, replacing it with an updated filing. He indicated that the EFCC had received the new documents, though EFCC’s counsel, Hadiza Afegbua, mentioned she had yet to receive them, and proof of service was absent in the court records.
Justice Abdulmalik postponed further mention of the case to November 11.
In response, Lagos State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), clarified in a statement to the media that Sanwo-Olu had neither filed nor instructed any attorney to file a suit on his behalf concerning this issue.
Pedro emphasized that the Lagos State Government is currently investigating how the case emerged without the administration’s knowledge.
Pedro’s statement reads: “We’ve noted a news report circulating that states, ‘Sanwo-Olu Sues EFCC over Alleged Plan to Arrest, Prosecute Him after Tenure.’ We must clarify that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has neither initiated nor authorized any lawsuit on this matter. As a sitting governor, Sanwo-Olu has immunity, and with nearly three years remaining in his term, there is no basis for legal action of this kind.”
The Attorney General further explained that, to his knowledge, the EFCC has not conducted any investigation, issued invitations, or made threats involving Governor Sanwo-Olu or his associates. He reiterated that Sanwo-Olu has upheld transparency and accountability in his management of public resources and remains focused on improving the lives of Lagosians.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Sanwo-Olu is dedicated to his duties and does not have any concerns regarding his post-tenure status,” Pedro added. “We urge media organizations to exercise caution in publishing reports to avoid misleading the public.
