The High Court of Lagos State Lagos Judicial Division has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting or detaining Honda Manufacturing (Nigeria) Limited Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited executives and over 200 other applicants in connection with a pending investigation.
Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi granted the interim injunction on October 28 this year after the applicants’ counsel Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) leading Akinwale Irokosu A. Apara and T. Aluko moved the application.
The applicants comprise the two Honda companies their officers dealers distributors business associates and other individuals and businesses.
They approached the court seeking protection of their fundamental rights in connection with the EFCC investigation citing concerns over invitations for questioning threats of arrest and detention and alleged interference with their personal liberty freedom of movement and privacy.
The court granted the first prayer in the applicants’ motion for interim injunction holding that the relief covered prayers two to six.
The applicants had sought an order restraining the EFCC its officers agents and anyone acting on its behalf from arresting detaining or otherwise depriving them or their officers of their personal liberty in connection with the investigation pending the determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought orders restraining the commission from compelling them or their officers to report for questioning issuing further invitations to certain applicants dealers distributors and business associates or harassing intimidating and threatening them with arrest.
ýThe applicants further asked the court to restrain the EFCC from arresting or detaining certain individuals solely because they failed or were unable to honour further invitations issued in connection with the investigation.
ýThey also sought an order preventing the commission from taking steps to restrict their liberty without complying with the Constitution the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and other applicable laws.
ýThe suit was instituted under Sections 34 35 37 40 43 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.
ýThe matter was adjourned until November 13.