Matilda Omonaiye/
Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court has thrown out a N504.3 million lawsuit filed by a lawyer, Christopher E. Mene, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mene had sought N4,375,000 in special damages and N500 million in exemplary damages, alleging that EFCC operatives inflicted significant damage during a sting operation conducted at his property on May 23, 2023.
During the court proceedings, EFCC called one of its operatives, Allison James Taiwo, as sole witness, while Mene presented five.
In his judgment, Justice Obiozor found that the plaintiff failed to establish a credible case for the claimed special damages.
The court also rejected the demand for exemplary damages, noting that the evidence showed the operation resulted in the arrest of criminals, 18 of whom have since been convicted by a competent court.
Justice Obiozor further held that if any damage had occurred, Mene should have directed his claim toward his tenants, rather than the agency, especially since the tenancy agreements included provisions forbidding illegal activity and requiring tenants to indemnify him against such acts.
The court ruled that the EFCC’s conduct during the raid was neither “excessive nor oppressive,” stressing that law enforcement agencies should not be unduly constrained in executing their duties.
Citing Sections 12(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the judge affirmed that law enforcement may forcibly enter premises, after duly notifying their authority and requesting admission, if entry cannot be otherwise obtained.
This ruling follows a long-standing dispute over the EFCC’s conduct during its May 2023 sting operation in Benin City, which targeted alleged internet fraudsters.
On that date, operatives of the EFCC arrested 44 suspects in the Benin Zonal Command operation.
In the aftermath, Mene, who owns property in the affected area, publicly accused the EFCC of invading and destroying parts of two buildings housing multiple flats, alleging that the agents broke down doors, damaged property, and victimised tenants.
The EFCC, in response, maintained that such force was only used when necessary to gain entry, denying claims of wanton destruction.
0Related posts:
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia in Tears as Corruption Trial Begins
FG Presents Buhari’s Scorecard
Exclusive: Again, Billionaire Kidnapper’s Lawyer Loses Court Case …To Pay N500K Fine
US Report over Anti-graft War False, Misleading – EFCC …Says Agency Secured 943 Convictions, Recovered Billions in 3 Years
Hidden $793.2m: Court Strikes Out FG’s Suit against 7 Banks
Ex-gov Fayose’s Brother, Isaac, Says Tenants Owing N287M Rent Have Taken Him to Court