A Lagos State High Court has restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting or detaining Honda Manufacturing (Nigeria) Limited, Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited and more than 200 other applicants in connection with a pending investigation.
Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi granted the first prayer in an application for an interim injunction filed by the applicants after their counsel, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, moved the motion before the court.
The applicants comprise the two Honda companies, their officers, dealers, distributors, business associates, as well as more than 200 other individuals and business entities seeking protection of their fundamental rights amid the EFCC investigation.
In their application, the applicants sought orders restraining the anti-graft agency and its officers from arresting or detaining them, compelling them to report for questioning, issuing further invitations, or subjecting them to harassment, intimidation and threats of arrest.
They also asked the court to prevent the EFCC from restricting their freedom without complying with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and other applicable laws.
Justice Ogunjobi granted the first prayer of the application, holding that the relief covered prayers two to six.
The suit was instituted under Sections 34, 35, 37, 40, 43 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, alongside relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.
The case has been adjourned until November 23, 2026, for further proceedings.