The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been asked to execute a long-standing arrest warrant against Mrs Seinye Lulu-Briggs.
The warrant was issued on May 16, 2022 by Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/653/2022.
The court had directed the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service and Interpol to arrest Lulu-Briggs wherever she may be found — within or outside Nigeria — and produce her before the court or EFCC headquarters.
The Public Interest and Diplomatic Centre, PIDC, made the request in a letter addressed to the EFCC, signed by its National Coordinator Patriot Christopher Adikpe.
PIDC in the letter said the last known address of Mrs Lulu-Briggs was No: 5 Odoni Street, Amadi Flats, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, adding that she also lives at No: 23 Rutland Court, Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, London, United Kingdom.
Stressing that a valid court order is binding and not optional, PIDC said, “Unless and until such an order is discharged, stayed, varied or set aside, it ought to be obeyed and enforced according to its terms.”
PIDC warned against selective enforcement of judicial orders and cited the EFCC’s statutory duties under the 2004 Establishment Act to investigate, arrest and pursue economic and financial crimes, including matters involving extradition and mutual legal assistance.
It also called on the commission to locate Mrs Lulu-Briggs, effect her arrest and, if evidence warrants, commence criminal proceedings without delay.
PIDC specifically urged coordination with Immigration authorities and Interpol to prevent possible escape of Mrs Seinye Lulu-Briggs to destinations including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and China.
PIDC gave the EFCC seven days to communicate concrete steps taken on the request.