Olarewaju Aluko, an Ilorin-based lawyer has dragged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to court over alleged defamation of character.
The Ilorin Zonal office of the commission had on Wednesday accused the lawyer of defrauding one Pastor Adetunji Adedoyin of his property valued at N20million.
The EFCC had also claimed that Aluko was at large following invitation and interrogation of other Lawyers reportedly involved in the matter.
However, Aluko, alongside his client, Taiye Suyuti Na’Allah, yesterday, approached the State High Court, seeking redress and claiming N20milllion as damages.
Adedoyin is also joined as, respondent in the suit, which has been assigned to Justice Hammed Gegele, of the state high court.
The motion on notice was brought pursuant to Order II, Order IV, Rules 3 & 4 of the fundamental right (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, sections 34, 35. 36, 37,41and 46 of the Nigerian constitution of 1999 as amended…
The applicants are seeking declaration that the online publication is a defamation of character and against provision of chapter IV of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the African charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and enforcement) Act Cap. 10.of the laws ofFederal Republic of Nigeria 1990.
They are also seeking that the circulation of the online publication against them prior invitation to react to the petition or arraign them before any competent court is illegal, unconstitutional and against the fundamental rights of the applicants.
Aluko and his client, in the suit, prayed that the court should restrain the EFCC, from inviting, arresting or prosecuting them pending determination of motion on notice filed before the court.
The applicants in the motions on notice urged the court to enforce an order on the agency to tender unreserved public apology in national dailies.
They also want the court to award N20million damage against EFCC over what they described as illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional online publication.
Speaking to newsmen over the development in Ilorin, on Thursday, Aluko expressed disappointment over the operation of the Anti- graft agency.
He lamented that he was not at large as claimed by the EFCC in the report, adding that he was neither called nor invited for interrogation before the publication went viral on social media.
“I was highly surprised and disappointed over the EFCC operation, many people have been calling me that I have been declared wanted over allegation of fraud in which some lawyers were arrested.
“I have never in my life been involved in fraud. The EFCC has never called me on phone or invited me personally or give me notice to come to their office in respect of the allegation made by one Engr. Adedoyin, who is now a pastor.
“I read it online and heard from friends that I am at large. Honestly this is defamation of character and I am not going to take it lightly, ” he said.
He explained that the purchase of the said landed property by his client followed due process, as there was court judgment to back it.