The Lagos State Government has refuted claims that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The government’s response followed reports alleging that Sanwo-Olu had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to seek protection from possible arrest or prosecution at the end of his tenure.
In a statement on Wednesday, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), dismissed the reports as baseless.
He clarified that the governor neither initiated nor instructed any legal practitioner to file a lawsuit against the EFCC.
Pedro said: “Our attention has been drawn to the news circulating in a section of the media, titled: ‘Sanwo-Olu Sues EFCC over alleged plan to arrest, prosecute him after tenure.’
We need to clarify that Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at no time, sued or briefed any legal practitioner to file a suit on his behalf concerning the above subject matter.”
He emphasized that the governor, who is currently protected by constitutional immunity, has no need to pursue such legal action given he has nearly three years left in his tenure.
Pedro further noted that there has been no investigation or threat of arrest by the EFCC involving the governor or his staff.
“To the best of my knowledge and my inquiry confirmed that the EFCC is not investigating the Governor and has never invited him or threatened arrest of any member of his staff, domestic or otherwise. We are currently investigating how the case came to be without our knowledge,” Pedro added.
The Attorney General described Sanwo-Olu as a model of responsible governance and prudent management of public resources. He assured the public that there was no basis for the reported legal suit.
