By 9jaeye 
Judge says EFCC violated due process in declaring Rabiu Tijjani wanted, orders immediate apology and ₦5m compensation
A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has issued an EFCC Apology Order, directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to apologize to Dubai-based businessman Alhaji Rabiu Auwalu Tijjani after the agency illegally declared him wanted in connection with a financial dispute. The court delivered the ruling on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Court Says EFCC Acted Outside the Law
Justice H. Buhari delivered the judgment and held that the EFCC violated Tijjani’s fundamental rights when it published his name and photograph as a wanted person without following due legal procedure. Although the EFCC had secured an arrest warrant from a Magistrate’s Court, the judge explained that the warrant did not permit the Commission to publicly declare Tijjani wanted.
Because of this, Justice Buhari ordered the EFCC to not only apologise publicly but also pay ₦5 million in damages for the unlawful action.
Business Dispute Evolved Into Rights Violation
The case began after a gold-related transaction between Tijjani and businessman Ifeanyi Ezeokoli in 2022. Initially, both parties settled an overpayment of ₦26 million, but a later independent audit suggested an additional discrepancy of more than $2 million in Tijjani’s favour. The matter then moved to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.
However, while the DSS inquiry was ongoing, Ezeokoli submitted a petition to the EFCC. Tijjani told the court that the EFCC contacted him through WhatsApp, and he immediately sent a representative. He said neither he nor his representative received any additional invitation from the Commission before the EFCC went ahead to declare him wanted online.
Court Rejects EFCC’s Actions
The judge ruled that the EFCC failed to follow established legal steps. Tijjani, who conducts international business from Dubai, argued that the EFCC’s public notice severely damaged his reputation. Justice Buhari agreed and directed the Commission to remove Tijjani’s details from its website.
Although Tijjani demanded over ₦1.5 billion in damages, the court awarded ₦5 million, while stressing that law enforcement agencies must obey due process at all times.
Ruling Reinforces Importance of Legal Procedure
As the court concluded the matter, Justice Buhari emphasized that the EFCC must act strictly within the limits of the law. The ruling also underscored the importance of respecting citizens’ rights, especially in sensitive commercial disputes that cross national borders.
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