The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted an interim order that restrains the EFCC from arresting Alhaji Rabiu Tijjani, a Dubai-based Nigerian businessman. This decision follows the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declaring Tijjani wanted over alleged $1.9 million money laundering charges.
This EFCC restrains arrest ruling, issued on July 21, 2025, responds to an ex parte motion filed by Tijjani’s legal representatives on July 16, 2025. Justice H. Buhari’s interim order ensures Tijjani’s fundamental rights to liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, specifically Sections 35 and 46.
The Legal Battle: EFCC Restraint of Tijjani’s Arrest
Tijjani’s legal team filed the application, arguing that the EFCC violated the businessman’s legal rights. As a result, the court ordered that the EFCC, along with its agents, be restrained from inviting, arresting, detaining, harassing, or prosecuting Tijjani. This interim order will remain in effect until the case is further heard on September 18, 2025.
The matter revolves around alleged financial misconduct in connection with a money laundering scheme involving $1.9 million. According to an EFCC notice, signed by Dele Oyewale, Tijjani is accused of laundering $1,931,700.12.
Tijjani Denies Allegations and Plans Legal Action Against EFCC
Tijjani has strongly denied the allegations, calling the charges false. He insists that the $1.9m transaction was part of a legitimate business deal. The deal, he claims, involved currency exchanges with Ifeanyi Ezeokoli, amounting to over $77 million over one year.
Tijjani’s legal team has expressed their intention to take legal action against the EFCC, accusing them of damaging his reputation by publicly declaring him wanted based on unfounded allegations.
EFCC’s Efforts and Future Legal Proceedings: Restraining Order Impact
The EFCC continues its pursuit of high-profile financial crimes, including money laundering and corruption. This court ruling marks an important development in the ongoing legal clash between Tijjani and the EFCC.
The case will move forward, with the next hearing scheduled for September 18, 2025, when the substantive motion will be heard. Further decisions are expected at that time.
As the proceedings unfold, Alhaji Rabiu Tijjani gains temporary relief through the court’s restraining order. This ruling halts the EFCC’s immediate actions and underscores the balance between law enforcement and the protection of individual freedoms. Tijjani now has room to prepare his defense without the immediate threat of arrest, and the outcome of the case will unfold in the coming months.
Further Reading:
- NSCDC Deploys 1,531 Officers for Tinubu’s Visit to Anambra
- At Least 9 Killed, Many Abducted in Bandit Attack in Nigeria’s Zamfara State
- Court Restrains EFCC from Arresting Businessman Declared Wanted
