Henry Akinduro files N5 Billion lawsuit against EFCC over unlawful ‘wanted’ declaration

Dr. Henry Akinduro, the Chief Executive Officer of Global Signature Hotel and Total Grace Group Limited, has initiated legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking N5 billion in damages for what he claims is an unlawful declaration of him as wanted, which he argues infringes on his fundamental rights.

The EFCC announced Akinduro’s wanted status on October 11, 2024, through its official X account (formerly Twitter), accusing him of fraud following a complaint by Mr. Femi Olushakin. In response, Akinduro has challenged the EFCC’s actions, alleging that the agency acted without legal authorization or judicial oversight.

A lawsuit was filed on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos by Akinduro’s legal team, headed by respected lawyer Olakekan Ojo (SAN). The suit claims the EFCC declared him wanted unlawfully, without a court order or any constitutional protections in place.

In a statement, Akinduro’s lawyers dismissed the fraud allegations as unfounded, asserting that the matter is a civil dispute related to a business arrangement between Akinduro and Olushakin, and that it is already under legal review in an ongoing civil case (Suit No: I/875/2024). They contend that the EFCC’s actions were baseless and inappropriate.

“Our client believes that the EFCC’s public announcement has unjustly harmed his reputation,” the statement read. “Rather than participating in fraudulent activity, he has addressed the issue through the proper legal channels.”

Akinduro’s legal team further accused the EFCC of using state resources to harass him and urged the court to clarify that the dispute with Olushakin is a civil one, not criminal. Olushakin has also filed a counterclaim concerning alleged unpaid investment returns, further complicating the legal matter.

Akinduro, who maintains his innocence, has called for a fair and transparent legal process, asserting that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. His lawyers reiterated their commitment to disproving what they called the false and malicious charges.

“Our client has consistently responded to the issue using legal means, including formal communications, and we are confident that the judicial process will demonstrate that the fraud allegations are meritless,” the statement concluded.

The legal team also highlighted that the civil dispute was already in court before the EFCC made its wanted declaration, claiming that the fraud charges are an attempt to damage Akinduro’s reputation and business interests.

“We trust that the judicial process will resolve this matter fairly, and our client remains confident that justice will prevail,” the statement added.