Nigeria: Lawyer Raises Alarm Over EFCC's Attempt to Arrest Client

...EFCC denies duplicating court cases, insists on legal compliance

A fresh controversy has emerged over an alleged attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest Lagos-based businessman, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, despite an ongoing court case involving the same matter.

Ogunleye's counsel, Barrister Ifeanyi Nwabueze, claimed that the matter--centering on a disputed ₦4.9 billion transaction involving Interswitch Ltd.--is already pending before the Federal High Court, Abuja, under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/150/2025. He argued that the matter is being prosecuted by the Nigeria Police Force, and described the EFCC's alleged fresh attempt to arrest his client as "improper and unlawful."

"This is a clear abuse of power and a disturbing display of executive overreach," Nwabueze said. "Why is the EFCC seeking to arrest Mr. Ogunleye over a case already before the Federal High Court? Such an act undermines the sanctity of the judiciary."

According to the lawyer, EFCC's move violates judicial procedures by attempting to compel statements under caution and impose new bail conditions while his client is already on court-approved bail.

He further revealed that Ogunleye is facing multiple lawsuits filed in Federal High Courts across Abuja, Lagos, Abakaliki, and Uyo--an action he said contradicts established legal principles and fairness.

Reacting to the allegations, EFCC's Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, denied any wrongdoing, stating that the Commission remains committed to judicial integrity.

"We always follow due process and respect our judicial system," Oyewale said. "If a matter is already in court, the EFCC does not interfere unless it pertains to entirely separate issues."

Barrister Nwabueze, however, urged the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate what he described as "a growing trend of agencies flouting sub judice principles," noting that Ogunleye has been arrested six times since 2023 over the same issue.

"This pattern of harassment violates his constitutional rights and the rule of law," he asserted, vowing to resist any further arrest attempts unless preceded by a formal legal process.

Read the original article on Vanguard.