The Lagos State Government has responded to recent media reports suggesting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has initiated legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged plan to arrest and prosecute him after his tenure. Contrary to these claims, it is clarified that Governor Sanwo-Olu has neither filed such a lawsuit nor instructed any legal representative to do so.
Emphasizing the constitutional immunity currently protecting the governor, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, asserted that the EFCC is not investigating the governor nor has it made any threats toward his staff.
The statement reiterates that Governor Sanwo-Olu remains focused on serving the people of Lagos with integrity and commitment, with nothing to fear upon the completion of his term in May 2027. Media organizations are urged to verify such information to avoid public misinformation.
Read full statement below:
Our attention has been drawn to the news circulating in a section of the media, titled: “Sanwo-Olu Sues EFCC over alleged plan to arrest, prosecute him after tenure.”
We need to clarify that Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at no time, sued or briefed any legal practitioner to file a suit on his behalf concerning the above subject matter.
Also, it is disingenuous for the Governor who enjoys immunity as conferred on him by the Constitution and has almost three years ahead of him to brief any lawyer on this kind of matter.
To the best of my knowledge and my inquiry confirmed that the EFCC is not investigating the Governor and has never invited him or threatened arrest of any member of his staff, domestic or otherwise.
We are currently investigating how the case came to be without our knowledge.
For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been an exemplar in terms of service delivery, prudent and judicious management of the public resources.
Therefore, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu who is busy working assiduously on how to improve the living conditions of all Lagosians does not have anything to fear when he eventually leaves office at the end of his tenure in May 2027.
We, therefore, enjoin media organisations to be wary of the kind of reports they entertain and publish on their respected platforms in order not to mislead the public.
Lawal Pedro, SAN
Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State.
