A Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, Suleiman Babangida Sani, has filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of unlawful arrest, torture, and prolonged detention without trial. Sani, represented by his lawyer, Edwin Anikwem (SAN), is seeking N200 million in general damages and N1 billion in exemplary damages for what he claims is a gross violation of his fundamental rights.
According to a 33-paragraph affidavit sworn by Olalekan Joseph Bayode, Sani has been held in EFCC custody at Okotie Eboh Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, since June 1, 2024. Despite responding to an invitation from the EFCC, Sani was allegedly detained after being questioned about transactions related to his business.
Anikwem argued that Sani has neither been charged nor informed of any criminal offense, and his detention has led to serious health issues, including the development of a painful abscess, which has worsened due to lack of medical care. Sani's business has also suffered, resulting in financial losses, and his family, including his eight children and ailing 105-year-old mother, has been severely impacted.
The legal team has called for the immediate release of Sani and a public apology from the EFCC for infringing on his fundamental rights. The case has been filed under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights Act.
