A Lagos State High Court has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting or detaining executives of two Honda-related companies, their dealers, distributors, business associates and more than 200 other applicants in connection with an ongoing investigation.
Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi granted the interim injunction on October 28, 2026, following an application by Honda Manufacturing (Nigeria) Limited, Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited and the other applicants seeking protection of their fundamental rights.
The applicants, represented by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, alleged that they faced threats of arrest and detention, repeated invitations for questioning and other actions they considered potential violations of their rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement and privacy.
They asked the court to restrain the EFCC, its officers, agents and representatives from arresting or detaining them over the subject of the investigation pending the determination of their substantive suit.
They also sought protection against further invitations for questioning, alleged intimidation and threats of arrest, as well as any action restricting their liberty without compliance with applicable laws.
In his ruling, Justice Ogunjobi granted the first prayer for an interim injunction, holding that the order also covered prayers two to six of the application.
However, the court declined to grant a separate request seeking to compel the EFCC to return original documents allegedly taken from Honda Manufacturing (Nigeria) Limited’s premises during a visit on September 24, 2026. The applicants had proposed that the commission retain photocopies while returning the originals.
The suit was filed under relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.
The court adjourned the matter until November 13, 2026, for further proceedings.
The interim injunction does not determine the merits of the EFCC investigation or the substantive claims brought by the applicants. The case remains before the court.
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