– The former minister of state for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro and his family have filed a suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
– Obanikoro and his family accused the EFCC of seizing and detaining their property
– The Obanikoro’s asked the court to make a declaration that the forceful seizure of their personal effects constitutes gross violation to their rights.
The former minister of state for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro and his family have filed a suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Obanikoro and his family accused the EFCC of seizing and detaining their property, the Nation reports.
In a suit filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos, the Obanikoro’s asked the court to make a declaration that the forceful seizure of their personal effects constitutes gross violation to their rights.
The applicants also prayed the court to make an order to set aside the forceful detention of their property since June 14, 2016.
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They also demanded an “unreserved public apology” and N100 million as payment for general damages done on the family by the commission.
Other reliefs sought by the Obanikoro’s include a an order restraining the EFCC from further arresting, detaining or harassing any member of their family or enter their premises to seize property.
In the suit, the applicants, Obanikoro, his wife Moroophat and sons – Gbolahon, Babajide and his wife Fati said the documents and properties EFCC seized “have nothing to do with the ONSA.”
The EFCC had alleged that the former minister received funds meant for the public from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The money, the EFCC, said were received through accounts of companies linked to the family members.
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The commission in its allegation said $1,018,000 was transferred from the ONSA to Mob Integrated Services on March 18, 2015.
But lawyer to the Obanikoros, Lawal Pedro said the ei-graft agency antviolated Regulation 13 of the EFCC (Enforcement Regulation) 2010 which provides that it shall apply and obtain a court order to enter and search any premises.
In its defence, the commission has however, prayed the court to dismiss the suit by the Obanikoros.
The commission argued that it operated and acted withing the law guiding it.
Furthermore, the judge over the case Justice Abdulazeez Anka adjourned Tuesday, March 28 for ruling.
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