By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Mrs Esther Oganya sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and P.G. Records Entertainment Limited on January 27, 2026, at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, seeking N500m damages over her arrest, detention, and alleged harassment, which she claims violated her rights after authorities linked her to a disputed £50,000 Unity Cup investment through an account tied to her employer.
Background of the Case
Oganya, an employee of Afrosport Media Network Limited, filed the suit marked ID/21235MFHR/2026 through her lawyer, Emmanuel Ochai. She seeks enforcement of her fundamental rights under Sections 35, 36, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution.
She also relies on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to her affidavit, officers arrested her on January 22, 2026, at a bank in Lagos. Police from Area F Command, Ikeja, carried out the arrest.
They later handed her over to EFCC operatives. She said officials detained and interrogated her at the cybercrime unit.
Claims of Unlawful Arrest and Harassment
Oganya argued that officials treated her like a criminal despite her non-involvement in the contract dispute.
She maintained that she played no role in the transaction between Unity Cup Limited and P.G. Records.
Furthermore, she said authorities released her the next day on bail. However, they asked her to produce her employer.
She also alleged threats of re-arrest, which caused fear and distress.
EFCC’s Response to Allegations
The EFCC rejected all claims of wrongdoing.
The agency stated that it acted on a formal request dated January 22, 2026. The request followed a petition filed on August 21, 2025.
Tiffany & Bazaleel Attorneys submitted the petition on behalf of P.G. Records Entertainment Limited.
According to the EFCC, the petition alleged fraud involving £50,000. The money was linked to a UK-based Unity Cup entertainment project.
Investigators said preliminary findings showed that the funds entered an account tied to Afrosport Media Network Limited.
They added that Oganya was a signatory to the account.
The commission also stated that it granted her administrative bail and treated her professionally.
P.G. Records Denies Involvement
P.G. Records Entertainment Limited denied any role in Oganya’s arrest.
The company said it only petitioned the EFCC over a failed investment deal with Unity Cup Limited and two individuals.
It accused those parties of fraudulent misrepresentation.
However, it insisted that it never mentioned Oganya or her employer in the petition.
The firm described its inclusion in the suit as unwarranted and speculative.
Oganya Counters EFCC, Reaffirms Innocence
Oganya denied all allegations in a further affidavit.
She described the EFCC’s claims as false and misleading.
She insisted that the original petition did not mention her or her employer.
Moreover, she argued that the dispute was purely commercial.
She said the contract’s dispute resolution clause did not allow law enforcement action against non-parties.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
The case came up before Justice Ismail Ijelu at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.
Counsel to the applicant told the court that the matter was ready for hearing.
Counsel to the EFCC also announced his appearance. However, the second respondent had no representation.
After listening to all parties, Justice Ijelu adjourned the case to April 27, 2026.
Reliefs Sought by the Applicant
Oganya asked the court to declare her arrest and detention unlawful.
She also requested a perpetual injunction against further arrest or harassment.
In addition, she seeks N500m in general damages for the alleged violation of her rights.
