Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited (INTELS) has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others, seeking 1 billion naira in damages.
The company argues that the EFCC’s investigation into its shareholding structure and dividends constitutes an overreach into civil matters. However, the EFCC contends that it has the legal authority to investigate financial crimes. The case has been adjourned to May 21, 2024, for further proceedings.
Integrated Logistics Services Nigeria Limited (INTELS) has brought a lawsuit before the Federal High Court, Abuja, requesting 1 billion naira in compensation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and three other parties.
The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/485/2023, alleges that the EFCC’s investigation into its shareholding structure and dividends exceeds its jurisdiction into civil matters.
According to INTELS’ lawyer, Ama Etuwewe, SAN, the EFCC’s probe into the company’s affairs, based on petitions from other parties, constitutes an infringement on its corporate governance and internal affairs. Etuwewe argues that such matters are typically within the purview of civil courts and not subject to investigation by the EFCC.
In response, the EFCC filed a preliminary objection, asserting its statutory authority to investigate financial crimes and rejecting INTELS’ claims as frivolous.
The EFCC’s lawyer, Barrister Abba Muhammed, contends that the agency has the legal mandate to investigate any reported case of economic and financial crime, including complaints against INTELS.
The case, scheduled for hearing on Monday, was adjourned to May 21, 2024, due to the Federal High Court’s Easter vacation. Justices Ekwo and Okorowo are on duty as vacation judges for the Abuja division of the court.
INTELS Nigeria Limited, a key player in the country’s oil and gas logistics industry, has faced legal challenges in the past. In 2017, the federal government instructed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to terminate its contract with INTELS over alleged breaches.
Additionally, based on EFCC court filings, INTELS has reportedly initiated multiple legal actions seeking restraining orders against government agencies.
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