Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has formally refuted reports alleging that he initiated legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding purported plans for his arrest and prosecution following his tenure. The governor’s response was conveyed through a statement issued by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lawal Pedro, on Tuesday.
Lawal Pedro, the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, released a statement on Tuesday on behalf of the governor, addressing the allegations.
The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the news circulating in a section of the media, titled ‘Sanwo-Olu Sues EFCC Over Alleged Plan to Arrest, Prosecute Him After Tenure.’ Mr. Sanwo-Olu did not sue the EFCC in any court, as he has no reason to do so.”
The statement emphasized that Sanwo-Olu, who still has nearly three years left in office and enjoys immunity, has not been investigated or contacted by the EFCC regarding any allegations.
The Attorney General clarified that the governor has remained committed to integrity, prudent resource management, and service delivery in Lagos State, and is focused on improving the lives of Lagosians.
Alleged Reports
Earlier reports had suggested that Sanwo-Olu had filed a lawsuit through his lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at a Federal High Court in Abuja. The initial lawsuit, reportedly filed in June, sought to prevent any EFCC actions against him over alleged misconduct after his term.
When the matter came up for mention on Tuesday, the plaintiff’s lawyer informed the court of an amended originating summons. However, EFCC counsel Hadiza Afegbua stated she had not yet reviewed the updated documents, leading Justice Abdulmalik to adjourn the case until November 11.
The originating summons reportedly included claims that EFCC threats violated Sanwo-Olu’s constitutional rights, particularly sections covering private life, liberty, and freedom from harassment. The governor sought various declarations to restrain EFCC from intimidating him or seizing his assets post-tenure.
In an affidavit supporting the summons, it was alleged that EFCC officials had been pressuring Sanwo-Olu’s aides and contractors to make statements against him as part of a potential case.
Read Full Text From Lawal Pedro, SAN:
REBUTTAL: “SANWO-OLU SUES EFCC OVER ALLEGED PLAN TO ARREST, PROSECUTE HIM AFTER TENURE”
Our attention has been drawn to the news circulating in a section of the media, titled: “Sanwo-Olu Sues EFCC over alleged plan to arrest, prosecute him after tenure.”
We need to clarify that Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at no time, sued or briefed any legal practitioner to file a suit on his behalf concerning the above subject matter.
Also, it is disingenuous for the Governor who enjoys immunity as conferred on him by the Constitution and has almost three years ahead of him to brief any lawyer on this kind of matter.
To the best of my knowledge and my inquiry confirmed that the EFCC is not investigating the Governor and has never invited him or threatened arrest of any member of his staff, domestic or otherwise.
We are currently investigating how the case came to be without our knowledge.
For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been an exemplar in terms of service delivery, prudent and judicious management of the public resources.
Therefore, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu who is busy working assiduously on how to improve the living conditions of all Lagosians does not have anything to fear when he eventually leaves office at the end of his tenure in May 2027.
We, therefore, enjoin media organisations to be wary of the kind of reports they entertain and publish on their respected platforms in order not to mislead the public.
Lawal Pedro, SAN
Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
