Henry Akinduro, CEO of Global Signature Hotel and Total Grace Group Limited, has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after being declared wanted over an alleged fraud. Akinduro asserts that the EFCC’s action is a violation of his fundamental human rights.
On Saturday, the EFCC, via a statement on its X handle, declared Akinduro wanted in connection with fraud accusations brought by Mr. Femi Olushakin. In response, Akinduro filed a N5 billion lawsuit at the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Wednesday, contesting the EFCC’s decision to declare him wanted without any judicial intervention or constitutional safeguards.
Represented by his legal team, led by renowned lawyer Olakekan Ojo (SAN), Akinduro claims that the fraud allegation is baseless and part of an attempt to criminalise a contractual dispute with Olushakin. The legal team emphasised that the matter was already before the courts (Suit No: I/875/2024) regarding an investment agreement between the two parties.
“Our client considers this online publication detrimental to his reputation and believes it to be an unjustified attack by the EFCC,” the statement from Akinduro’s legal team reads. It further explains that Akinduro has responded to all disputes through lawful channels, refuting any involvement in fraudulent activities.
The suit accuses the Anti-Graft Agency of harassment and misuse of state resources, urging the court to affirm that the issue is a civil, not criminal, matter. Olushakin, however, counters with demands for investment returns, intensifying the legal battle.
Akinduro, maintaining his innocence, stressed the need for a fair legal process, reiterating that he is “presumed innocent until proven otherwise.” His legal team is determined to correct what they describe as “unfounded and malicious allegations” arising from investment conflicts.
“While we acknowledge that the online publication has caused grave concern to our client’s friends and business associates, we consider it necessary to put the records straight, showing that the fraud allegations are trumped-up charges aimed at damaging the reputation of Dr. Henry Akinduro.”
The legal team further noted that the commercial disputes had already been referred to a competent court prior to the EFCC’s action. In the ongoing suit, Akinduro and Total Grace Group Ltd seek a declaration that the disagreement with Olushakin is civil and contractual, and that the use of state security apparatus in this matter is both “wrongful and unlawful.”
“Our Client, Dr. Henry Akinduro, has always responded either through correspondence or legal channels, demonstrating responsibility and seriousness towards resolving the investment agreement.”
The legal team also stressed that Akinduro remains “presumed innocent by constitutional fiat until proven otherwise” and called for the public to reserve judgment until the court has ruled on the matter.
“At all material times, we expect your perception of our Client to accommodate this benefit of doubt while we await the Honourable Court to judicially apportion rights and liabilities in the civil suit. Mr. Femi Olushakin, using the EFCC, has unilaterally, unlawfully, and maliciously framed this as a criminal case in an attempt to sabotage the business interests and reputation of our Client, Dr. Henry Akinduro.”
“Our Client wishes to restate his confidence in the judicial process, which he believes will ultimately vindicate him,” the statement concluded.
