Court Blocks EFCC From Arresting Dubai-Based Nigerian Tycoon in $1.9m Laundering Case
The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has issued an interim order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting, detaining, or harassing Dubai-based Nigerian businessman, Alhaji Rabiu Tijjani, who was recently declared wanted by the agency over alleged money laundering totaling $1.9 million.
Justice H. Buhari granted the order on July 21, 2025, following an ex parte application filed by Tijjani’s legal team on July 16. The court ruled that the order would remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice, scheduled for September 18, 2025.
The EFCC and one Ifeanyi Ezeokoli were named as respondents in the suit. The judge specifically restrained the anti-graft agency—along with its agents, officers, and affiliates—from “inviting, arresting, detaining, harassing, or prosecuting” Tijjani in connection with the allegations raised by the second respondent.
The court’s ruling stated in part:
“An interim order restraining the commission or its agents, servants, privies, [or] officers from arresting, detaining, harassing, [or] arraigning the applicant in relation to the complaint of the second respondent… Motion ex parte dated 14th day of July and filed on 16th day of July, 2025, is granted as prayed.”
Tijjani was declared wanted by the EFCC in a notice signed by the agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, dated July 11, 2025. The commission accused him of laundering a total of $1,931,700.12.
In response, Tijjani, through his lawyers, condemned the EFCC’s declaration and threatened legal action, citing reputational damage. He maintained that the financial transaction in question was a legitimate currency exchange deal with Ifeanyi Ezeokoli, amounting to over $77 million over a one-year period.
He insisted that the EFCC’s actions were baseless and driven by false information.
