Court orders EFCC to pay pastor, wife N10 million for unlawfully declaring them wanted

The Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has dealt a blow to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by imposing a fine of N10 million for unlawfully declaring Pastor Oyinmiebi Biribena and his wife, Pastor Beatrice Biribena, wanted without a valid court order.

Justice Dashen, presiding over the case, rendered a verdict in favor of Pastor Biribena, who heads the Christ Embassy Church in Kumasi, Ghana.

The court deemed EFCC’s publication on June 8, 2022, declaring the pastor and his wife wanted without a valid court order as unjustified, unlawful, and unconstitutional.

In response to the unjust act, the judge ordered EFCC to issue a public apology to Pastor Biribena and his wife for the wrongful publication.

Additionally, the court issued an injunction restraining EFCC from inviting, harassing, arresting, and detaining the plaintiffs until the suit (No. FHC/YNG/CS/125/2022) between Bliss Multinational Perfections Limited and others versus EFCC is resolved.

The legal battle between Bliss Multinational Perfections Limited, Pastor Oyinmiebi Biribena, and EFCC centered around several contentious issues.

Justice Dashen ruled that EFCC’s seizure and sealing of properties jointly owned by Bliss Multinational Perfections Limited and Pastor Biribena at No. 57, Green Villa Road, Biogbolo, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, were wrongful and unlawful.

Furthermore, the court issued a perpetual injunction against EFCC, directing the agency to refrain from inviting, arresting, detaining, and harassing the plaintiffs over disputes stemming from transactions with Baraza Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

Despite the plaintiffs’ request for ₦100 million in damages, the court awarded ₦10 million as exemplary damages against EFCC.