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Alleged Illegal Declaration: EFCC Slammed With N5bn Lawsuit

Published

2 months ago

Oct 17, 2024.

Ochefu Owoicho

The Chief Executive Officer of the Global Signature Hotel and Total Grace Group Limited Dr. Henry Akinduro has filed N5 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly declaring him wanted illegally.

Akinduro said that the anti-graft agency had contravened his fundamental human rights by the action.

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Recall that the EFCC had on October 11, 2024 declared Akinduro wanted via its official X Account in connection with fraud accusations by one Mr. Femi Olushakin.

In the suit filed on Wednesday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, Akinduro told the court that the anti-corruption agency declared him wanted without any form of judicial intervention, recourse to constitutional safeguards or order of court.

Akinduro’s legal team, led by Olakekan Ojo, (SAN) asserted that the fraud allegation against Akinduro was baseless and ill-motivated.

Akinduro’s legal team argued that the petition against him was simply an attempt to criminalise a contractual disagreement, stemming from a business arrangement with Olushakin.

“The matter, according to the legal team, was already before the court before EFCC declared Akinduro wanted, as both parties had engaged in a civil lawsuit (Suit No: I/875/2024), regarding their investment agreement.

“Our client considers this online publication detrimental to his reputation and believes it to be an unjustified attack by the EFCC,” the statement read.

It further said Akinduro has responded to the disputes through responsible legal channels rather than engaging in fraudulent activities.

The suit filed by Akinduro claimed harassment through the misuse of state resources, urging the courts to affirm that their disagreements are purely civil in nature.

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Olushakin’s counterclaim demanded substantial sums purportedly owed for investment returns, further complicating the ongoing legal battle.

Akinduro, maintaining his innocence, called for a fair legal process, asserting that he is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

His legal team said it was determined to rectify what it described as unfounded and malicious allegations, fueled by conflicts in their investment dealings.

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