An FCT High Court located in Maitama has mandated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pay N10 million in damages to Dr. Olu Agunloye, a former Minister of Power, following a libelous social media post. Justice Peter Kekemeke ruled that the anti-graft agency successfully tarnished the reputation of the former minister through its online publications.
Dr. Agunloye had initiated a lawsuit seeking N10 billion, arguing that an EFCC post titled “EFCC arraigns Agunloye over $6billion fraud” shared on X and its website was both false and malicious. Represented by Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, the former minister asserted that the commission had unfairly labeled him as corrupt and fraudulent, causing significant damage to his professional standing.
During the proceedings, Justice Kekemeke highlighted that the EFCC failed to substantiate the claims of fraud against Agunloye. The judge pointed out that the criminal charge filed against the former minister at the Apo Division of the FCT High Court contained no mention of such a sum. Furthermore, the court noted that the agency’s own witness admitted the post originated from their media department, despite initial denials.
The court declared the publication defamatory and ordered the commission to issue a public apology in two national newspapers and on its website. A perpetual injunction was also granted, preventing the agency from further defaming Agunloye. In response to the verdict, counsel for the EFCC, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN, announced the commission’s intention to appeal the ruling, arguing that the civil litigation was initiated prematurely before the conclusion of the pending criminal trial.
