Federal High Court Throws Out Rights Violation Suit by 161 Fraud Suspects Against EFCC
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by 161 Chinese and Nigerian nationals against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over alleged unlawful detention and rights violations.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case on Thursday, ruled that the suit lacked merit and upheld the actions of the EFCC as lawful. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/80/2025, involved individuals being investigated for suspected internet fraud.
The applicants, represented by senior advocate Ishaka Dikko (SAN), had sued EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and the commission itself. In their originating motion filed on January 17, they claimed their arrest and continued detention violated their fundamental rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, and dignity of the human person as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 36, 43, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Among the named applicants were Chinese nationals Zhang Xiaowen, Liu Zhiwei, Chen Yeqiu, and Lan Shunbin, along with over 150 Nigerian individuals including Abubakar Hassan, Olamide Olatoye, and Faith Agada.
However, in delivering his judgment, Justice Omotosho ruled that the EFCC acted within the bounds of the law. He stated that the agency obtained two valid remand orders to detain the suspects beyond the initial arrest period in order to complete their investigation, which did not amount to a violation of their rights.
He further held that the EFCC’s seizure of the applicants’ international passports during the ongoing investigation was lawful, noting that administrative bail had been granted to the suspects following the expiration of the remand period, and only those who met bail conditions were released.
The judge also pointed out that the applicants themselves confirmed the timeline of the events in their sworn affidavits, further validating the commission’s defense.
The ruling is seen as a significant legal win for the EFCC as it continues its clampdown on cybercrime and financial fraud in Nigeria
