Court Backs EFCC, Dismisses ₦504m Damages Claim Over Benin Raid

The Federal High Court in Benin City has upheld the legality of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operation, dismissing a ₦504.3 million damages suit filed against the anti-graft agency.

Justice C.A. Obiozor delivered the ruling on Thursday in a case brought by lawyer Christopher E. Mene, who alleged that EFCC operatives damaged his property during a sting operation on 23 May 2023. Mene demanded ₦4.37 million in special damages for the alleged destruction and an additional ₦500 million in exemplary damages.

But the court held that Mene failed to prove his entitlement to compensation. Justice Obiozor noted that EFCC evidence showed criminals were arrested on the premises, with 18 already convicted.

The judge ruled that Mene’s grievance should have been directed at his tenants, who, under their tenancy agreement, had pledged not to use the property for illegal activities and to indemnify the landlord for any resulting damage.

Declaring the EFCC’s actions lawful, Justice Obiozor stated: “Let law enforcement agencies breathe and be allowed to do their work.”

He further cited Section 12 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which authorises security operatives to forcibly enter premises where necessary in the discharge of lawful duties.

The judgment reinforces the EFCC’s powers to conduct raids where credible intelligence suggests criminal activity, even when landlords claim property damage.