A Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a lawsuit on Wednesday seeking the removal of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that the applicant, Mr. Victor Opatola, lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to bring the case.
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The case, filed by Abuja-based lawyer Opatola, contested President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Olukoyede, arguing that Olukoyede did not meet the statutory years of service required for the position.
The suit, marked HC/ABJ/CS/1403/2023, listed the President, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and Olukoyede as respondents.
The respondents, represented by Olumide Fusika, SAN, argued that the suit lacked merit.
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Olukoyede defended his qualifications, noting his prior role as the EFCC’s secretary, a grade level 17 position, which exceeds the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, a grade level 14 position.
He asserted that his experience made him fully qualified for the EFCC chairmanship and requested the court to dismiss the suit.
Opatola’s suit sought judicial clarification on whether, under Section 2(1)(a) of the EFCC Act 2004, Olukoyede’s appointment was valid despite allegedly not meeting the Act’s conditions.
He questioned whether the appointee must be of a rank equivalent to or higher than Assistant Commissioner of Police and whether 15 years of experience in any field outside government security or law enforcement was sufficient.
After reviewing the arguments, Justice Egwuatu ruled in favor of the respondents, dismissing the suit.
The court concluded that Opatola lacked the legal right to challenge Olukoyede’s appointment, thereby affirming Olukoyede’s position as EFCC Chairman.
