Lawyer accuses EFCC of unlawful arrest attempt in ₦4.9bn dispute involving interswitch

A fresh controversy has emerged following an alleged attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest Lagos-based businessman, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, over a ₦4.9 billion transaction dispute involving Interswitch Ltd.—a case currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Ogunleye’s legal representative, Barrister Ifeanyi Nwabueze, has raised concerns over what he described as an unlawful move by the anti-graft agency, warning that it undermines the authority of the judiciary. He pointed out that the matter is already being prosecuted by the Nigeria Police Force under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/150/2025.

Speaking to reporters, Nwabueze said, “Why is the EFCC seeking to arrest Mr. Ogunleye over a matter that is already before a competent court of law? This is a clear case of executive overreach and an abuse of power.”

He argued that any further attempt to detain his client or impose additional bail conditions would violate the existing bail granted by the court, adding that Ogunleye has already faced multiple arrests in connection with the same dispute. According to him, several lawsuits targeting his client are also pending before Federal High Courts in Abuja, Lagos, Abakaliki, and Uyo.

In response, the EFCC denied any wrongdoing. The agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, insisted that the Commission acts strictly within legal limits and does not interfere with matters that are already under judicial consideration.

“We always follow due process and maintain respect for the rule of law,” Oyewale stated. “If a matter is already in court, we do not duplicate efforts or pursue parallel actions, unless new and unrelated issues arise.”

Despite this assurance, Nwabueze called on the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate what he described as a disturbing trend of regulatory agencies disregarding the sub judice rule—a principle that prohibits actions or commentary on ongoing court matters.

“Mr. Ogunleye has been arrested six times since 2023 over the same allegations. This constant harassment infringes on his constitutional rights and contradicts the spirit of due process. We will take every legal step necessary to challenge any future arrest attempts that are not preceded by formal legal invitations,” he said.

The ₦4.9 billion dispute reportedly stems from a business transaction involving Interswitch Ltd., though details remain under judicial scrutiny. The case continues at the Federal High Court in Abuja.