By Uzair Adam
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment on a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The case, initially brought by Kogi State, questions the validity of the EFCC’s operations.
The Daily Reality learned that three states—Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi—withdrew from the lawsuit during Tuesday’s hearing.
The states’ attorneys general notified the court of their decision to withdraw, citing notices filed on October 14 and 20.
Osun State applied to consolidate its own grievance against the EFCC with Kogi State’s suit.
The EFCC was established in 2002 by President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
However, the plaintiff states argue that the National Assembly did not follow the necessary constitutional provisions, specifically Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution.
The states contend that the EFCC’s operations are illegal, as the majority of state houses of assembly did not approve them.
They argue that any agency formed under the Act should be considered illegal.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, countered that the EFCC was validly established.
He urged the court to dismiss the case, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of ruling favouring the plaintiffs.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, reserved judgment until a later date.