Businessman Seeks N150 Million Compensation Over EFCC Raid

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, is under scrutiny following allegations that his personnel unlawfully raided the home of Ugochukwu Ezeanyagu, an economist and contractor based in Abia.

In a petition filed through his legal representatives, Equity Law Partners, Ezeanyagu details a harrowing experience that occurred around 2 a.m. on December 6, 2024. He claims that approximately 15 EFCC agents, some masked and armed with AK-47 rifles, broke into his residence, assaulting him and his eight-month-pregnant wife. The officials accused Ezeanyagu of internet fraud but later apologized after failing to find any evidence of wrongdoing.

During the raid, the EFCC agents allegedly questioned whether Ezeanyagu owned a Mercer SUV and a Toyota Corolla parked on his property. Before leaving, they reportedly stole bottles of wine from his refrigerator and slapped his security guard.

Ezeanyagu has described the incident as criminal trespass, unlawful invasion of privacy, criminal intimidation, assault, and theft. He is now seeking N150 million in compensation for the emotional distress and trauma inflicted on him and his family. He also demands a public apology from the EFCC officers involved in the raid.

According to his petition, both Ezeanyagu and his wife have been severely affected by the traumatic event, enduring psychological distress. “Every Nigerian deserves to be treated with dignity and respect for their constitutionally guaranteed rights,” the petition states. “The EFCC’s conduct, particularly the late-night raid, raises serious concerns and warrants a thorough investigation.”

Ezeanyagu’s lawyers emphasize that his privacy was violated, and he and his wife were subjected to intimidation, physical assault, and humiliation. The EFCC agents reportedly acted without a search warrant, making their actions illegal. Their failure to find any incriminating evidence further highlights the unjust nature of the raid, which they liken to a criminal act of theft and assault.

The petition concludes by stressing the need for accountability and the importance of maintaining the integrity of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, especially those as prominent as the EFCC.