Man Takes EFCC To Court, Demands ₦5 Million Over Wanted Declaration

A Nigerian based abroad, Oluwatosin Adekunle, has instituted a legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), challenging his declaration as a wanted person and asking the court to set aside the action.

In an affidavit dated August 24, 2026, Adekunle alleged that the anti-graft agency declared him wanted on August 19 and subsequently published his details on its official website and social media platforms without obtaining a court order or the required leave of court.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Adekunle is asking the court to declare the EFCC’s action unlawful and unconstitutional and to direct the commission to immediately remove the wanted notice from all its digital platforms.

He is also seeking an order restraining the EFCC from publishing his name as a wanted person or taking any action that could allegedly infringe on his fundamental rights, including his rights to personal liberty, private and family life, freedom of movement and protection from inhuman or degrading treatment.

In addition, Adekunle is demanding a public apology from the commission and ₦5 million in general damages over what he described as the unlawful declaration.

Adekunle said the matter was connected to an investigation involving his business partner, Mrs Victoria Chidinma Nwachukwu, who he alleged was being investigated by the EFCC over allegations bordering on money laundering and obtaining money under false pretences.

He claimed that Nwachukwu incorporated Oasis Vivacity Global Limited and allegedly used his residential address as the company’s office address. He further alleged that she made him a director and signatory to the company’s bank account without his knowledge.

According to Adekunle, the situation escalated after Nwachukwu allegedly became indebted to a customer and could no longer be reached by the EFCC.

He alleged that the commission subsequently began intimidating and harassing him in an attempt to locate and arrest him in connection with the investigation involving Nwachukwu.

Adekunle also maintained that there was no complaint or prima facie evidence directly linking him to alleged offences of money laundering or obtaining money under false pretences, apart from what he described as his role as an agent.

He further alleged that members of his immediate family became concerned following alleged threats that the EFCC could arrest him or members of his family if the commission was unable to locate him.

The claimant argued that the EFCC lacked the legal authority to declare him wanted without first obtaining a valid court order. He maintained that a wanted declaration constituted a legal status that, in the circumstances he described, required judicial authorization.

Adekunle also argued that where no arrest warrant had been issued and an individual had not escaped from lawful custody, a wanted declaration could not have a valid legal foundation.

The EFCC has not been reported as having responded to the allegations in the affidavit, and no date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the suit.