The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its operatives have been alleged to have illegally entered into and forcefully taken over a private school in Lagos State.
The anti-graft agency allegedly committed the act at Goodwill Private Schools, Ikorodu, Lagos, on Thursday, 27 February, despite the pendency of a suit between the school and the Commission and despite an assurance by the Court that it will dare not do such.
Counsel to the private school, Dr Benson Enikuomehin of Benson Enikuomehin & Co (Shalom Chambers), stated this in a letter dated February 27, 2025, addressed to the Registrar, Court 10, Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The letter was captioned “Re: Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/702/2024 Between Pastor Sunday Omoniyi Enikuomehin & I OR And Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)- Invasion Of Goodwill Private Schools, Ikorodu, Lagos On The 27th Day Of February, 2025.”
Counsel to EFCC, Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa Esq., of 15A, Awolowo Way, Ikoyi, Lagos, was copied in the letter signed by the Head of Chambers, Lola Omoyele Esq.
Dr Enikuomehin reminded the Registrar that the above-mentioned suit came before Justice A. O. Owoeye on 5 February 2025. In it, he (Enikuomehin) represented the parties whose interests are affected by the suit, while Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Esq, appeared for the Commission.
Enikuomehin had contended that the Defendant (EFCC) would take adverse steps to tamper with the Res (matter), while the suit is pending before the court.
He stated that the Court had assured that none of such thing would happen, particularly that the Commission was represented in court by Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Esq.
Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa Esq was also said to have concurred with the Court that the EFCC would not do anything untoward about the RES until the matter was heard.
The anti-graft agency’s counsel thereafter sought a long adjournment, which was granted until 7 April 2025.
However, despite all assurances, “EFCC (as anticipated) has been going to Goodwill Private Schools’ property in Ikorodu awkwardly to serve a purported document.
“The climax of their action came today (Thursday) when they invaded the school with armed men while the students were in their various classrooms.
“There was pandemonium everywhere and the disruption of academic work. The chaos affected the neighbourhood and sent everyone running helter-skelter.
“The action taken by EFCC today, the 27th day of February 2025, runs foul of the undertaking given by Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa Esq before His Lordship,” Enikuomehin stated in the letter.
The letter included photographic and recorded video evidence of the alleged onslaught of Commission on Goodwill Private Schools operatives at Ikorodu last Thursday.
As seen in the videos, teachers and other staff of the school were harassed, just as one of the students was being revived by her colleagues after inhaling a chemical substance allegedly sprayed by the EFCC operatives.
“We are of the strong view that the EFCC is not a law unto itself and should therefore not take law into its hands in a matter that is pending before the Honourable Court.
“By the action of the EFCC, the Commission intends to foist a fait accompli on the Honourable Court on the next adjourned date.
“The Commission has by this action indicated that it does not respect the rule of law, but will only use the Court to achieve its aim.
“In the light of the above, we humbly request the Honourable Court to abridge the time in which this matter will be heard.
“Kindly bring the above facts to the attention of my Noble Lord,” Dr Benson Enikuomehin appealed to the Court Registrar in the letter.
