Court Rules EFCC Defamed Ex-Minister Agunloye, Awards N10B

The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Kekemek in Maitama, Abuja, found the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) guilty of defaming former Minister of Power Dr. Olu Agunloye.

The court delivered a judgment on a N10 billion defamation suit brought by Agunloye against the EFCC, which had publicly accused him of involvement in a N6 billion fraud. Agunloye's lawyer, Adeola Adedipe SAN, argued that the EFCC's statements damaged Agunloye's reputation and integrity.

The court ruled that the EFCC failed to prove the truth of its allegations and that the statements were defamatory. Consequently, the court ordered the EFCC to retract its statements and issue a public apology.

Additionally, the court imposed a perpetual injunction against the EFCC to prevent further defamation. In response, EFCC counsel Dr.

Wahab Shittu SAN indicated plans to appeal the judgment, claiming the case was premature as Agunloye's criminal charges remain unresolved.