U.S. case, High Court order void ‘wanted’ declaration – Elusoji

The team of U.S.-based businessman Oluwasegun Rolland Elusoji has rejected recent reports by Sahara Reporters and OyoHerald, describing them as misleading and legally unfounded.

According to the team, both an active court case in the United States and a subsisting order of the Federal High Court in Nigeria make any attempt to declare Elusoji “wanted” invalid and premature.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Elusoji team stressed that the publications presented allegations as established facts and ignored critical legal realities currently shaping the matter.

It reiterated that proceedings remain ongoing before the District Court of Montgomery County, Texas (Case No. 24-06-0979).

It noted that this active case prevents any Nigerian agency from lawfully declaring Elusoji wanted.

“As long as the U.S. matter remains before the court, no agency in Nigeria has the legal backing to issue or rely on a ‘wanted’ declaration. It would amount to bypassing a live case in another competent jurisdiction,” the team said.

The statement also pointed to a Federal High Court order issued on 14 October 2025 in Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/991/25 by Justice D.E. Osiagor where the court granted permission to challenge the alleged unlawful “wanted” declaration, and a stay of all actions relating to the notice pending determination of the case.

“This order remains in full effect,” the team insisted. “No Nigerian agency can proceed with, publicize, or rely on any ‘wanted’ notice until the Federal High Court concludes its hearing.”

The team criticized the outlets for failing to clarify that the Lagos High Court ruling referenced in their reports did not consider documents already filed in the U.S.

“A ruling that ignores an existing judicial process abroad cannot be treated as the final word,” they argued. “The reports present an incomplete picture.”

It urged the public and media to distinguish between administrative police actions and judicial findings.

“A police notice is not a conviction,” the statement said. “It does not determine guilt, and it should not be misrepresented as a legal verdict.”

Dismissal of Rights Suit Misunderstood

The team also addressed the dismissal of a previous fundamental rights action, clarifying that such dismissals often occur on technical grounds.

“It does not confirm wrongdoing,” they emphasized. “It simply means the technical relief sought was not granted.”

According to the team, none of the allegations circulating in the media has been confirmed by any court in Nigeria or the United States.

“What is being repeated in the press are allegations—not judicial findings, not proven facts,” the statement added.

Elusoji Committed to Due Process

The team maintained that Elusoji continues to engage the legal processes in both jurisdictions and will defend himself through legitimate means rather than media sensationalism.

“As long as the U.S. case remains active and the Federal High Court order stands, there is no lawful basis for any Nigerian agency to declare him wanted,” the team concluded.