Court Orders EFCC to Compensate Ex-Minister N10 Million

On Wednesday, Justice Peter Kekemek of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must pay former Power Minister Dr. Olu Agunloye N10 million in damages for defamation. The court found that the EFCC had libeled Agunloye by falsely portraying him as involved in a N6 billion fraud on its official website and social media platforms.

Agunloye had filed a defamation suit seeking N1 billion in damages, claiming the EFCC's statements had severely damaged his reputation. The court determined that the EFCC failed to prove the truth of its statements and acknowledged that Agunloye was not involved in any fraudulent activities.

Justice Kekemek ordered the EFCC to retract the defamatory statements and issue a public apology. Following the judgment, EFCC's counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu, indicated plans to appeal the decision, citing that the case was premature as Agunloye's criminal charges were still pending.