The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, has refuted recent media reports alleging that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has filed a lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to preempt an alleged plan to arrest and prosecute him after his tenure.
In a statement released to the press, Pedro clarified that Governor Sanwo-Olu has neither instructed nor authorized any legal representative to file a case against the EFCC, emphasizing the baselessness of the claim. “Our attention has been drawn to the news circulating in some media outlets under the headline: ‘Sanwo-Olu Sues EFCC over alleged plan to arrest, prosecute him after tenure.’ We need to clarify that Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has not, at any time, filed or authorized the filing of such a suit.”
Pedro further highlighted the improbability of such a move, considering the immunity the Governor enjoys as stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution and the substantial time left in his administration. “It is disingenuous to suggest that a sitting governor, with almost three years remaining in his tenure and full immunity, would seek legal action on a matter that does not exist,” Pedro noted. He affirmed that inquiries into the matter confirmed that the EFCC is neither investigating Governor Sanwo-Olu nor has it issued any threat of arrest or prosecution to him or his staff.
Pedro assured the public that the state government is investigating how this misinformation circulated, emphasizing the Governor’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and accountability in governance. “For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Sanwo-Olu has been exemplary in service delivery, demonstrating prudence and judicious management of public resources,” Pedro stated.
He also reiterated that Governor Sanwo-Olu, focused on improving the lives of Lagosians, remains undeterred by such distractions. “Governor Sanwo-Olu is dedicated to advancing initiatives that benefit every resident of Lagos, and he has no cause for concern upon the completion of his tenure in May 2027.”
The Attorney General urged media organizations to exercise caution in their reporting to avoid the spread of misleading information. “We encourage media outlets to ensure the accuracy of their publications to prevent the dissemination of falsehoods that could mislead the public,” Pedro concluded.
