A former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court, Lagos over the seizure and detention of his property.

The ex-minister and his family are seeking a court’s declaration that the forceful seizure of their personal effects constitutes a gross violation of their rights.

The applicants include Obanikoro’s wife Moroophat, his sons Gbolahon, Babajide and wife Fati. The applicants are praying the court for an order, setting aside the forceful detention of their properties on June 14, 2016.

EFCC claimed Obanikoro received suspicious payments from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through companies linked to the family.

For instance, the Commission said that about $1million was transferred from the ONSA to Mob Integrated Services on March 18, 2015. But, the family, through their counsel, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the documents and properties seized by the EFCC had nothing to do with the ONSA.

They claimed that the Commission violated Regulation 13 of the EFCC (Enforcement Regulation) 2010, which provides that it shall “apply and obtain” a court order to enter and search any premises.

However, EFCC has urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that it acted in accordance with the provisions of the law. Justice Abdulazeez Anka has fixed March 28 for ruling.