Akinduro files N5billion suit against EFCC over unlawful declaration

Akinduro sues EFCC for N5 billion over unlawful ‘Wanted’ status following a civil dispute, asserting his rights and maintaining his innocence.

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]r. Henry Mobolaji Akinduro, the Chairman/CEO of Global Signature Hotel and Total Grace Group Limited, has filed a N5 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for unlawfully declaring him wanted.

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In a suit lodged at the Federal High Court, Lagos, Akinduro claims the EFCC acted without court authorisation or due constitutional process when it declared him wanted on 11 October 2024.

The oil magnate is seeking the removal of his name from the EFCC’s website and social media platforms, including Twitter (X), where his ‘Wanted’ status was publicised.

Akinduro’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo SAN, has also accused the EFCC of violating his client’s fundamental human rights to personal liberty and dignity.

Ojo noted that Akinduro had consistently communicated with the Commission, citing medical treatment overseas as the reason for his inability to attend previous invitations.

He further explained that the declaration followed a business dispute between Akinduro and Mr. Femi Olushakin, who had lodged a N240 million contractual complaint against him.

According to Ojo, the EFCC acted upon Olushakin’s petition despite the matter being a civil dispute with no criminal elements.

The Senior Advocate highlighted that the contractual agreement between Akinduro and Olushakin had been backed by substantial collateral, including Akinduro’s Global Signature Hotel and three Yutong buses.

Olushakin, according to Ojo, had already sold two of the buses and was using the third as well as a Toyota SUV provided as part of the agreement, further emphasising the civil nature of the matter.

Akinduro has maintained his innocence, stressing that the EFCC’s actions have defamed him, damaged his reputation, and led to emotional distress.