Akinduro Files N5 Billion Suit Against EFCC for Declaring Him Wanted
Dr. Henry Akinduro, CEO of Global Signature Hotel and Total Grace Group Limited, has filed a N5 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the agency of violating his fundamental human rights. This legal action follows the EFCC’s public declaration of Akinduro as “Wanted” on its official X account (formerly Twitter) on October 11, 2024, in connection with allegations of fraud made by one Mr. Femi Olushakin.
In the suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Wednesday, Akinduro argues that the EFCC’s declaration was made without any judicial authorization or constitutional safeguards, branding the action as unlawful.
Akinduro’s lawyer, Olakekan Ojo, issued a statement denouncing the fraud allegations as baseless and malicious, arguing that the accusations stem from a business dispute with Olushakin. The legal team contends that the conflict is purely civil in nature and had already been brought before the courts (Suit No: I/875/2024) before the EFCC’s declaration.
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“Our client views the online publication as damaging to his reputation and a wrongful attack by the EFCC,” the statement read. Akinduro has reportedly adhered to legal avenues to resolve the disagreement, which arose from an investment deal with Olushakin, dismissing any fraudulent activity on his part.
The suit accuses the EFCC of misusing state resources to harass Akinduro, emphasizing that the dispute is commercial, not criminal. While Olushakin claims substantial sums are owed from the investment returns, further complicating the matter, Akinduro has maintained his innocence and called for a fair legal process.
The legal team also expressed confidence in the judiciary, insisting that Akinduro is entitled to the presumption of innocence and accusing Olushakin of using the EFCC to unjustly escalate a civil matter into a criminal case. They asserted that the fraud allegations were concocted to damage Akinduro’s reputation.
In the suit, Akinduro seeks a judicial declaration that the ongoing harassment by the EFCC, instigated by Olushakin, is unlawful and aims to resolve the matter in court. His team remains committed to defending his rights and reputation, confident that the courts will vindicate him.
