A Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a lawsuit on Wednesday that sought to remove Mr. Ola Olukoyede as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in his judgment, dismissed the suit, stating that the applicant lacked the legal standing to file the case.
Mr. Victor Opatola, an Abuja-based legal practitioner, had filed the suit against President Bola Tinubu, challenging Olukoyede’s appointment as EFCC Chairman.
Opatola argued that Olukoyede did not meet the legally required years of service for the position.
Opatola listed the President of Nigeria, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and Olukoyede as the 1st to 4th respondents, respectively, in the suit marked: HC/ABJ/CS/1403/2023.
The respondents requested the court to dismiss the suit, arguing it lacked merit.
Olukoyede, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olumide Fusika, contested Opatola’s authority to file the suit.
Olukoyede asserted his qualifications for the role, highlighting his service as Secretary of the EFCC, a grade Level 17 position, which is higher than the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, a grade Level 14 position.
Following the arguments, Justice Egwuatu adjourned the case for judgment until today.
Opatola raised several points for determination, including whether Olukoyede’s appointment as EFCC Chairman complied with Section 2 (1) (a) of the EFCC Act 2004, which outlines the requirements for the role.
He also questioned whether the appointee’s rank should be above that of an Assistant Commissioner of Police or its equivalent, and whether Olukoyede had the requisite 15 years of relevant experience in fields outside government security or law enforcement agencies.
