Nigerian courts rule on EFCC suit, PFIPC charges, and Saraki defamation case

Several high-profile legal developments have occurred in Nigerian courts. In Abuja, the Federal High Court dismissed a N10 billion fundamental rights suit filed by businesswoman Aisha Achimugu against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice M. S. Liman ruled that the EFCC acted within its statutory powers to search her residence and seize property following intelligence regarding alleged criminal activities, describing the suit as lacking merit.

Separately, the Federal High Court struck out an eight-count forgery and impersonation charge against Adeniyi Adeyemi, the alleged Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). The Federal Government requested the termination of the proceedings to allow for a fresh arraignment at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing jurisdictional issues regarding the forged documents.

In a different matter, the Court of Appeal in Ilorin quashed a criminal defamation and cyberbullying case brought by the Kwara State Government against former Senate President Bukola Saraki. The court held that Saraki’s comments regarding the Governor’s education did not constitute a criminal offense or incite violence.

Additionally, the Court of Appeal has ordered the reassignment of a case involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) following procedural setbacks in its appeal against a N101 million defamation judgment involving Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.