Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Lagos State Government has denied reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged plans to arrest and prosecute him after his tenure ends in 2027.
According to Lawal Pedro, the Lagos Attorney-General, the governor did not authorize any lawsuit against the EFCC, and the state is investigating how the case was filed without the governor’s knowledge.
The government emphasized that Governor Sanwo-Olu enjoys immunity as conferred by the Constitution and has almost three years left in office, making it unnecessary to brief any lawyer on this matter.
The EFCC is also not investigating the governor, and there have been no threats of arrest or prosecution.
The Lagos State Government urged media organizations to be cautious when reporting sensitive information to avoid misleading the public.
This clarification aims to set the record straight and alleviate any concerns regarding the governor’s relationship with the EFCC.
The statement reads, “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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
