In a resounding victory for justice, Justice John Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pay ₦5 million in damages to photographer Nasiru Saidu-Ali, popularly known as Kozzo, for wrongly parading him as a fraudster.
The incident, which occurred in May 2019, saw Saidu-Ali unjustly arrested from his Abuja residence and his image plastered across EFCC’s social media platforms alongside alleged internet fraudsters. Despite later proving his innocence, Saidu-Ali pursued legal action against the anti-graft agency for criminal defamation.
Initially seeking ₦100 million in damages, Saidu-Ali, through his lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, secured a landmark judgment on March 22, 2024, where the court awarded ₦5 million damages against the EFCC and mandated the agency to issue a public apology to the photographer.
In a Certified True Copy of the judgment obtained by our correspondent, the court decreed various orders against the EFCC, including the removal of Saidu-Ali’s image from its social media platforms and a perpetual injunction against further defamation without court judgment.
The judgment emphasized the breach of Saidu-Ali’s privacy and fundamental rights, declaring the EFCC’s actions unconstitutional and an abuse of power. Despite the initial demand for ₦100 million, the court’s decision to award ₦5 million in exemplary and general damages signifies a significant victory for justice.
In response to the judgment, Olajengbesi reiterated the unlawfulness of EFCC’s actions and emphasized the importance of upholding individuals’ rights and presumption of innocence. He expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, highlighting the significance of the public apology and the perpetual injunction against Saidu-Ali’s re-arrest.
The landmark judgment serves as a testament to the rule of law and underscores the accountability of law enforcement agencies in respecting citizens’ rights. As the EFCC faces the repercussions of its actions, this case sets a precedent for the protection of individual dignity and rights in Nigeria’s legal landscape.