Former
Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, friday slammed a N100 million
suit on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the Federal
High Court in Lagos over an alleged breached of his fundamental human rights.
In
a statement by his media aide, Jonathan Eze, the former minister is demanding
the sum as general damages for the alleged unlawful and unconstitutional
seizure and detention of several items, properties and personal effects
belonging to him and family by the EFCC on June 24, 2016.
Other
applicants in the suit are: Mrs. Fati Obanikoro, Alhaja Moroophat Obanikoro,
Gbolahon Obanikoro and Babajide Obanikoro.
The
statement reads: “The applicants also want the court to restrain the commission
from further entering their premises and an order Directing it to tender an
unreserved public apology to them for the unlawful action. Continue...
“They
are also asking the court to direct the respondent to release all the items,
properties and personal effects seized from their premises.
”
The applicants further want the court to hold that the action of the EFCC
constitute a gross violation of their fundamental rights as guarantee under
section 43 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 14 of the African Charter on
Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“In
a 15 paragraphs affidavit attached to the suit and sworn to by Mrs. Fati
Obanikoro, states that on June 14 some officials of the EFCC numbering about 20
stormed their premises situated at 10 Mojisola Onikoyi Street, by Banana
Island, Ikoyi, Lagos and took away several items.
”She also alleged that the respondent thereafter proceeded to also search the
personal house of the former Minister at 4 Layi Ajayi-Bembe road, Parkview,
Ikoyi, Lagos
“She
also claimed that before the alleged invasion of the premises there was no
prior notice by way of letter or invitation served on any of the applicants and
there was also no order of court mandating them to carry out the action.
”
She listed some of the items seized by the Commission to include: building
plans, cheque leaflets, company documents, car keys, phones, two company seals
and six company stam
“The
applicant further averred that the EFCC officials claimed that they are
investigating the former Minister and two of his children but some of the
properties taken away do not belong to them.
“She
also insisted that unless the court issued an order compelling the commission,
it will not return the seized properties.”
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