Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, Abuja, has issued an interim order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, from arresting or detaining former Minister of Defence, Mr. Lawal Batagarawa, over a land dispute.
The court prevented EFCC from inviting, harassing, or intimidating Batagarawa until further legal proceedings.
The order followed claims that Batagarawa had faced undue harassment by the agency.
Justice Halilu also granted permission for the legal documents in the case to be served to the EFCC and other respondents by substituted service.
In a supporting affidavit, Batagarawa detailed instances of alleged harassment, including being held by the EFCC for nearly two days in August 2024.
He also accused the EFCC of acting on false allegations from Patrick Ineke, who claims ownership of the disputed land.
Batagarawa debunked the speculations, saying that the land was allocated to his company, Lamda Beta Investment Limited, by the Federal Capital Development Authority in 2001, with payments made for its occupancy rights.
The matter has been adjourned to October 31, 2024, for further hearing.
Lanre Idris Mustapha
