A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a fundamental rights lawsuit filed by Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Assembly. The case stemmed from Bobrisky’s arrest earlier in 2024, during which he accused the EFCC of unlawful detention and rights violations. In his suit, Bobrisky sought ₦200 million in damages and a perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC from further harassment, arrest, or declaring him wanted .
Delivering the judgment on November 28, 2024, Justice Alexander Owoeye ruled that Bobrisky’s claims were unsubstantiated and lacked credible evidence. The judge emphasized that no substantial proof was presented to justify the reliefs sought, including claims of rights infringement and harassment. As a result, the court dismissed the case in its entirety .
Bobrisky’s grievances stemmed from his arrest on April 4, 2024, by the EFCC for alleged Naira abuse. He was later convicted on April 12, 2024, and sentenced to six months in prison. In the dismissed lawsuit, he argued that his arrest and subsequent legal troubles were unjust and violated his fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution .
The suit also named the National Assembly as a respondent, although the specifics of its involvement in the case were not detailed in the judgment. Despite the inclusion of these high-profile entities, the court found no merit in Bobrisky’s claims against either party. It further refused to award any damages, citing insufficient evidence to support the alleged violations .
Bobrisky had sought to use the legal system to challenge what he perceived as an overreach by the EFCC. However, this judgment highlights the importance of substantial evidence in fundamental rights cases. Justice Owoeye stressed that claims must be backed by concrete and credible affidavits to be upheld by the court .
This case adds to the ongoing discussions about the legal challenges faced by public figures in Nigeria and the limitations of the judicial system in addressing claims of rights violations without sufficient proof. While Bobrisky’s case has ended with this ruling, it underscores the complexity of balancing enforcement of laws with protecting individual rights .
