Fresh controversy has erupted over alleged attempts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to arrest a Lagos- based businessman, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, in connection with a matter already pending before the Federal High Court, Abuja, involving a disputed ₦4.9 billion transaction tied to Interswitch Ltd.
Ogunleye’s legal counsel, Barrister Ifeanyi Nwabueze, said the matter charged under FHC/ABJ/CR/150/2025 is being prosecuted by the Nigeria Police Force, describing EFCC’s alleged fresh arrest attempt as improper and unlawful. However, the EFCC maintained it operates strictly within the law and adheres to judicial boundaries, stating that its personnel would not pursue anyone with the same case already in court.
Barrister Nwabueze described EFCC’s move as “a clear abuse of power and disturbing display of executive overreach,” expressing concern over actions he said undermined judicial sanctity.
According to him: “Why is EFCC seeking to arrest Mr. Ogunleye over a matter involving Interswitch Ltd that is already before the Federal High Court?
“This attempt to arrest him despite an ongoing judicial process constitutes executive overreach. It is unacceptable for agencies to compel statements under caution or impose additional bail conditions while court-approved bail remains in effect,” Nwabueze stated.
He revealed that multiple lawsuits had been filed against Ogunleye in Federal High Courts across Abuja, Lagos, Abakaliki, and Uyo, saying they were contrary to Nigerian judicial principles.
But EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, responded: “We always follow proper procedure and respect our judicial system. If a matter is in court, we don’t interfere with ongoing processes. Our investigations never overlap with active court cases unless dealing with entirely separate issues.”
Nwabueze therefors called on the Attorney General to investigate what he termed “a growing trend of agencies flouting sub judice principles,” noting that Ogunleye had faced six arrests since 2023 over the same matter.
“This harassment violates constitutional rights and due process,” he said, vowing to legally resist any further arrest attempts without formal invitations.
