An aide to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, Abiodun Agbele, has initiated a N500 million suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to challenge the legality of his detention without trial.
Agbele, in the suit, claimed that he has been in EFCC custody since June 27 this year in respect of an alleged N1.3 billion reportedly traced to the personal account of the governor.
In the action instituted on his behalf by Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo, he prayed the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to award him a sum of N500 million as compensatory damages for the alleged unlawful arrest and detention.
Agbele is also seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights to liberty, human dignity and acquisition of properties in line with relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
In a motion on notice filed along with originating summons, the plaintiff asked Justice Olukayode Adeniyi to order his immediate release, claiming that unless the court intervenes, his rights to freedom would continue to be trampled upon by the anti-graft agency.
At the commencement of the matter, yesterday, EFCC counsel, Raymond Ezekiel, prayed the court for an adjournment till today to enable him file his counter- affidavit.
He claimed that the case filed was handed over to him on Wednesday afternoon, hence, he could not respond to the constitutional issues raised by the applicant in the suit.
Ozekhome, on his part, vehemently opposed the request for adjournment.
Subsequently, Justice Adeniyi in his brief ruling, held that the request of the EFCC was in good faith and fixed today for hearing in the matte
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