Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a fundamental rights suit filed by Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The suit, which alleged a breach of rights, sought ₦200 million in damages.
In the judgment delivered on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Justice Owoeye ruled that Bobrisky’s claims lacked merit, as there was no credible evidence to support the reliefs he sought. Among the reliefs, Bobrisky requested an injunction to restrain the EFCC from harassing, declaring him wanted, arresting, or detaining him. He also sought ₦200 million in damages for alleged harassment and violations of his rights.
Justice Owoeye stated, “Having evaluated the evidence placed before this Court by the Applicant, it is evident that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the award of the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by him.” The judge further held that the claims of rights violations were not substantiated by the affidavit evidence submitted, leading to the dismissal of the suit.
The court also refused to award any damages against the EFCC, concluding that the claims were unsubstantiated.
Bobrisky had named both the EFCC and the National Assembly in his suit, but all his reliefs were rejected. The case stems from his April 4, 2024 arrest by the EFCC on charges of Naira abuse, which led to a six-month conviction handed down by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on April 12, 2024.
