A Nigerian based abroad, Oluwatosin Adekunle, has sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his declaration as a wanted person by the anti-graft agency.

Adekunle is asking the court to declare the EFCC’s action unlawful, unconstitutional and a violation of his fundamental rights.

Adekunle Challenges EFCC Declaration

In an affidavit dated August 24, 2026, Adekunle alleged that the EFCC declared him wanted on August 19 and published the notice on its official website and social media platforms without obtaining an order or leave of court.

He is seeking an order directing the commission to remove the publication from its website and social media platforms.

Adekunle is also asking the court to restrain the EFCC from further publishing his name as a wanted person or taking actions that could infringe on his fundamental rights, including his rights to personal liberty, private and family life, freedom of movement and freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment.

₦5m Damages Sought

The claimant is further asking the court to compel the EFCC to issue a public apology and pay him ₦5 million in general damages.

Adekunle said the EFCC’s action arose from a matter involving his business partner, Victoria Chidinma Nwachukwu, who he said had a case before the commission involving allegations of money laundering and obtaining money under false pretences.

According to him, Nwachukwu incorporated Oasis Vivacity Global Limited, using his residential address as the company’s office address, and allegedly made him a director and signatory to the company’s bank account without his knowledge.

Business Partner’s Case

Adekunle alleged that the matter escalated after Nwachukwu became indebted to a customer and could no longer be located by the EFCC.

He claimed that the commission subsequently began intimidating and harassing him in an attempt to arrest and detain him in place of Nwachukwu.

He further alleged that there was no complaint or prima facie evidence directly connecting him with money laundering or obtaining money under false pretences, apart from his alleged role as an agent.

Adekunle also claimed that members of his immediate family became apprehensive following alleged threats that the EFCC could arrest him or members of his family if the commission was unable to locate him.

Claimant Questions Legal Basis

Adekunle argued that the EFCC could not unilaterally declare him wanted without a valid court order.

He maintained that declaring someone wanted was a legal status requiring judicial authorisation and argued that where no warrant of arrest had been issued and there had been no escape from lawful custody, such a declaration lacked legal foundation.

The EFCC’s position on the allegations contained in the suit was not reported in the Vanguard article.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.