A businessman, Dr. Henry Akinduro, Chief Executive Officer of Global Signature Hotel and Total Grace Group Limited, has filed a N5 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for Illegal Wanted Declaration.
He alleges that the agency illegally declared him wanted, violating his fundamental human rights.
On October 11, 2024, the EFCC announced Akinduro as a wanted person through its official X account, citing fraud allegations made by Mr. Femi Olushakin.
In the lawsuit filed Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Akinduro argues that the EFCC acted without any judicial endorsement, constitutional safeguards, or court orders prior to declaring him wanted.
Akinduro’s legal team, led by Olakekan Ojo (SAN), contends that the fraud allegations are unfounded and stem from a contractual disagreement related to a business arrangement with Olushakin.
They emphasize that the matter was already before the court, as both parties were engaged in a civil lawsuit (Suit No: I/875/2024) regarding their investment agreement when the EFCC made its announcement.
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The lawsuit describes the EFCC’s declaration as detrimental to Akinduro’s reputation, calling it an unjustified attack.
It states that he has been addressing the disputes through appropriate legal channels rather than engaging in fraudulent activities.
Akinduro’s suit also claims harassment through the misuse of state resources, urging the court to affirm that their disagreements are purely civil in nature.
Olushakin’s counterclaim involves substantial sums he alleges are owed for investment returns, complicating the ongoing legal battle.
Akinduro, maintaining his innocence, calls for a fair legal process and asserts his presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
