In a groundbreaking judgment, the Federal High Court in Warri has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to issue a public apology to Mr. Julius Oluwafunmisho Okedele for wrongly including his name in a financial fraud case. The court’s decision stems from a case filed in 2019, where the EFCC accused Akegor Godbless Omamuyovwi and two other individuals of cybercrime and internet fraud.

Although Mr. Okedele, a bureau de change operator, had conducted foreign exchange transactions with Omamuyovwi between 2018 and 2019, these dealings had no connection to cybercrime. Despite cooperating with the EFCC and providing evidence that exonerated him, the agency continued to list him as a fugitive, severely damaging his reputation and leading to public defamation and personal losses.

The court’s ruling on January 31, 2025, declared that Mr. Okedele’s right to a fair hearing had been violated. The judge struck his name from the charge sheet and ordered the EFCC to issue a public apology in a major national newspaper within 10 days. The agency must also provide proof of the publication to the court.

This landmark ruling highlights the importance of upholding individual rights and ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate with integrity and transparency. As Mr. Okedele’s reputation has been severely damaged, the court’s decision serves as a crucial step towards restoring his good name.