A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pay N3 million in damages to businessman Idaresit Monday Ekpo for violating his fundamental rights. Justice Deinde Dipeolu ruled that the EFCC’s prolonged seizure of Ekpo’s international passport since 2015 was unconstitutional, illegal, and an infringement on his personal liberty, freedom of movement, and property rights.
The court further instructed the immediate release of Ekpo’s passport and the removal of his name and image from the EFCC’s wanted list across all platforms.
Ekpo had filed a suit (FHC/L/CS/1885/2024) seeking redress for the continuous publication of his name and photo on the EFCC’s wanted list, as well as the unlawful confiscation of his passport. He argued that these actions damaged his reputation and dignity.
The businessman’s lawyer, C. Anyanwu, pointed out that the EFCC’s conduct violated sections of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Despite being properly served with court documents, the EFCC failed to file any counter-affidavits or respond to Ekpo’s claims.
In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu affirmed that unchallenged affidavit evidence is considered accepted, stating that when facts in an affidavit are not disputed, they are deemed true unless they are baseless
