Court Dismisses Bobrisky’s Fundamental Rights Suit Against EFCC

The Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Alexander Owoeye has dismissed a fundamental rights lawsuit filed by Mr. Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, also known as Bobrisky against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court ruled that Bobrisky’s claims of rights violation lacked merit and failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his case.

In the suit, Bobrisky accused the EFCC of infringing on his fundamental rights following his arrest and trial earlier this year.

He sought a ₦200 million damages award for alleged harassment and unlawful detention.

Additionally, the Nigerian crossdresser requested a perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC and its agents from harassing, arresting, or declaring him wanted.

Delivering the judgment on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Justice Owoeye stated:

“Having evaluated the evidence placed before this Court by the Applicant, it is evident that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the award of the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by him.”

The judge further emphasised that the claims of fundamental rights violations were not substantiated by the affidavit evidence presented.

“In the final analysis, I hold the claims of violation of fundamental rights against the 1st and 2nd Respondents were not made out of the affidavit evidence placed before this Court. The claim of the Applicant against the 1st to the 2nd Respondents hereby lacks merit and is liable to be dismissed. It is accordingly dismissed.”

The court also refused Bobrisky’s request for damages, citing lack of credible evidence.

LEADERSHIP reports that Bobrisky’s legal battle stemed from his arrest by the anti-graft agency on April 4, 2024, over alleged Naira abuse.

Following his arrest, he was convicted on April 12, 2024, by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, and sentenced to six months in prison.

In addition to suing the EFCC, Bobrisky also included the National Assembly in the case.

However, all reliefs sought against both parties were dismissed by the court.