Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a fundamental rights suit filed by Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bobrisky had alleged that his rights were violated by the Commission and was seeking N200 million in damages.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Justice Owoeye ruled that Bobrisky’s claims of infringement on his rights were unsubstantiated and lacked credible evidence to justify the reliefs he was seeking from the court.
One of the requests made by Bobrisky was for a “perpetual injunction” to restrain the EFCC and its officials from harassing, declaring him wanted, arresting, or detaining him in any capacity. He also sought N200 million in damages for the alleged suffering caused by the Commission’s actions concerning his arrest and trial.
After reviewing all the reliefs he sought, Justice Owoeye stated, “Having evaluated the evidence presented before this Court by the Applicant, it is clear that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the declaratory and injunctive reliefs he requested.”
The judge further noted, “In conclusion, I find that the claims of violation of fundamental rights against the first and second Respondents are not supported by the affidavit evidence presented to this Court. Therefore, the Applicant’s claims against the first and second Respondents lack merit and are hereby dismissed.” The judge also refused to award any damages against the EFCC.
Bobrisky had brought his case against both the EFCC and the National Assembly, but all his requests were rejected by the court. He was initially arrested by the EFCC on April 4, 2024, for currency abuse, which ultimately led to a six-month conviction by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on April 12, 2024.
