Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi / Posted July 18, 2025
Justice Oluwaseun Toluwanimi Ademola-Salami of Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, has ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) controversial practice of mandatorily seizing visitors’ phones at its office gates is illegal, citing violations of privacy and constitutional rights under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
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In the originating filing, Adedeji Austine Falujo a legal practitioner, averred in a fundamental rights application challenging the EFCC’s practice of mandatorily seizing visitors’ phones at their office gates.
The decision is bound to impact the anti-corruption agency’s over-reach and infringement of individual liberties guaranteed by the Constitution.
The High Court’s ruling on Friday, July 18, 2025, declared the EFCC’s phone seizure policy unconstitutional, emphasizing that the agency’s critical role in fighting financial crimes does not grant it unchecked powers. The decision stemmed from complaints by citizens who described the seizures as arbitrary, unfairly profiled and an invasion of privacy.
“The EFCC must operate within the law, respecting the rights to privacy and freedom,” the presiding judge stated.
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Some legal experts and members of the public have lauded the ruling, saying it will be a vital check on the EFCC’s overzealousness.
“This decision strengthens the judiciary’s role in ensuring anti-corruption efforts align with constitutional protections,” said Barrister Chidi Okeke.
The ruling has sparked calls for the EFCC to embrace more civility and adopt transparent, rights-respecting in their financial crime investigative methods.
Without prejudice to the high endemic incidents of corrupt actions in our nation, the Oyo court’s ruling can be gleaned from the standpoint of a desired turning point in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. By deeming the EFCC’s phone seizures illegal, the judiciary has underscored that anti-corruption efforts must respect constitutional rights.
“This ruling is a step toward a more just system,” said Dr. Aisha Mohammed, a legal scholar. “Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight must be relentless yet lawful to rebuild our economy and restore our place on the global stage.”
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Furthermore, the recent ruling could encourage the EFCC to embrace refined practices, fostering greater public trust and cooperation.
However, tackling Nigeria’s corruption crisis demands broader reforms, including addressing judicial delays and ensuring accountability for all, including high-ranking officials.