Ex-Minister Agunloye Sues EFCC for N1 Billion Over ‘Unlawful’ Wanted List

Former Minister of Power and Steel during ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, Olu Agunloye, has filed a N1 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that the agency included his name on its wanted list published on its website.

The lawsuit, currently before Justice Emeka Nwite at a Federal High Court in Abuja, has Agunloye as the plaintiff, represented by his legal team headed by Adeola Adedipe, SAN.

Agunloye is pursuing six forms of relief, one of which is a declaration challenging the EFCC’s authority to exercise its discretion, powers, and functions as prescribed in Sections 1(2)(c), 6, 7, 13 of the EFCC Act, 2004, and Section 4 of the Police Act 2020, through the public declaration of him as wanted on its official website or any other pertinent platform.

Agunloye argues that this took place without considering any safeguards in Sections 34({1)(a), 35, 37, 39, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which involve judicial intervention, orders, or court permissions as per Sections 1(1), 8(1), & 42(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

The ex-minister requested an order for the EFCC, its agents, representatives, privies, and other related affiliates to immediately remove his picture, name, references, details, and any other particulars from the wanted list published on its official website or any other related platform.

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

In addition to these requests, Agunloye sought one billion naira in general damages from the defendants, particularly the EFCC, along with the cost of legal action. The case is set for a hearing on April 18.