Bureau De Change Operator Suleiman Sani Sues EFCC Over Alleged Unlawful Detention

Suleiman Sani, a Bureau De Change operator, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged arrest, torture, and illegal detention without trial.

Court documents reveal that Sani was invited by the EFCC on June 1, 2024, to discuss his business transactions. Despite cooperating and providing explanations, he was arrested and detained without charge or trial.

Sani claims that his detention has resulted in:

– Poor health conditions, including an untreated abscess and high blood pressure

– Substantial financial losses due to his business closure (over 150 days)

– His children being out of school due to unpaid fees

– Emotional distress for his family, including his 105-year-old ailing mother

Through his lawyer, Edwin Anikwem (SAN), Sani seeks:

1. Declaration of unlawful detention and release from EFCC custody

2. Unreserved public apology from the EFCC for infringing on his fundamental rights

3. N200 million in general damages for harassment, torture, arrest, and unlawful detention

4. N1 billion in exemplary damages for flagrant violation of his fundamental rights

The case raises concerns about the EFCC’s detention practices and their impact on individuals and their families.