Supreme Court Delivers Verdict on Suit Against EFCC’s Legalit

The Supreme Court has ruled on a significant case challenging the establishment of the EFCC, affirming the commission’s legality in its fight against corruption.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court reserved judgment on a lawsuit brought by 16 state governments challenging the constitutionality of laws that led to the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other related entities.

A seven-member panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, reserved the case after the lawyers presented their arguments.

The lawsuit, initially filed by the Kogi State Government via its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, attracted interest from other states aiming to join as co-plaintiffs.

The states involved in the lawsuit designated as SC/CV/178/2023 are Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, Niger and Ondo; Edo; Oyo; Ogun; Nasarawa; Kebbi; Katsina; Sokoto and Jigawa.

According to OBASANJONEWS, the Apex Court scheduled a hearing for October 2022 earlier this month regarding a lawsuit questioning the constitutionality of the laws that established the EFCC and two other entities.

Additionally, in case number SC/CV/178/2023, the Kogi State Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), naming them as the sole defendant.

Meanwhile, the Attorneys General of Ebonyi, Anambra, and Adamawa have declared their withdrawal from the case.

The panel granted their request to withdraw from the matter.