EFCC In Trouble For Posting Suspect’s Picture On Social Media
A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, has awarded N5 million in damages against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for posting a picture of arrested individual on social media.
Renowned legal practitioner, Pelumi Olajengbesi, made this known in a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday.
He said : “I have consistently underscored the unlawfulness and abuse of power inherent in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) practice of publicizing images of individuals arrested for alleged crimes without due conviction by a court. Such actions, particularly from an esteemed organization like the EFCC, amount to a cheap form of public spectacle.
One such case involved the arrest of Nasiru Saidu Ali (Kozzo), a young photographer from Nassarawa State, whose image was broadcasted across EFCC’s social media platforms. Law Corridor, the legal firm I represent, took up his case pro bono. Following extensive legal proceedings before the Federal High Court, Abuja, justice has finally been served.
Honorable Justice Okoro of Court 6 of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered a landmark judgment. The Court declared EFCC’s actions unconstitutional, as they infringed upon Ali’s right to the presumption of innocence by posting his picture on social media without a conviction of guilt.
As a consequence, the Court has awarded ₦5 million in exemplary, punitive, and general damages against the EFCC. Furthermore, the EFCC has been directed to issue a public apology to the young photographer.”
