A Lagos-based lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Nwabueze, has raised alarm over an alleged attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest his client, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, despite an ongoing trial on the same matter at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Ogunleye, a businessman, is currently facing prosecution over a disputed ₦4.9 billion transaction involving Interswitch Ltd., under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/150/2025.
The case, according to Nwabueze, is already being handled by the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking to reporters, Nwabueze condemned the EFCC’s reported move as “improper, unlawful, and a blatant abuse of power.”
“This is a clear act of executive overreach,” the lawyer said. “Why is the EFCC seeking to arrest someone already facing trial in a competent court of law? It undermines judicial authority and disrupts due process.”
Nwabueze also criticized the anti-graft agency’s alleged attempt to extract a fresh statement from his client and impose new bail conditions, despite the court having already granted Ogunleye bail.
He further noted that Ogunleye has been subjected to multiple lawsuits across Federal High Courts in Abuja, Lagos, Abakaliki, and Uyo—actions he described as legally excessive and procedurally flawed.
In response, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, denied the allegations, maintaining that the Commission adheres strictly to the law.
“The EFCC respects judicial processes and only intervenes in matters not already before the courts,” Oyewale stated.
Despite the assurance, Nwabueze called on the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene, warning against a growing trend of law enforcement agencies flouting court processes and violating sub judice principles.
He alleged that Ogunleye has been arrested six times over the same matter since 2023, describing the repeated arrests as harassment and a violation of his client’s constitutional rights.
“We will not allow any further unlawful arrest unless it follows proper legal channels,” he added.