The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking the removal of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment, ruling that the applicant, Mr. Victor Opatola, lacked the legal right (locus standi) to bring the case.
Opatola, a legal practitioner from Abuja, had filed the suit against President Bola Tinubu, challenging the validity of Olukoyede's appointment as EFCC chairman. The suit claimed that Olukoyede did not meet the required years of service for the position, as specified by law.
The respondents, including the President of Nigeria, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and Olukoyede himself, had prayed the court to dismiss the suit for lacking merit.
Olukoyede, represented by Olumide Fusika, SAN, argued that he was eminently qualified for the position, having served as the secretary of the commission, a grade Level 17 position higher than the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, a grade Level 14 position.
Justice Egwuatu, after listening to all parties, dismissed the suit, citing the applicant's lack of legal authority to institute the case. The court also noted that Olukoyede was qualified for the position, having fulfilled the conditions of the EFCC Act 2004.
The suit had raised several questions, including whether Olukoyede, who did not meet the conditions of the Act, could be validly appointed as EFCC chairman. It also asked whether the person appointed to the office of EFCC chairman could be above the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police or its equivalent.
