In what many insinuate may be the case of corruption fighting back, 16 state governors are challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Supreme Court is set to hear the significant case on October 22, involving a legal challenge to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initiated by 16 state governments.Â
The suit, led by Kogi State, contests the constitutionality of the EFCC’s establishment, claiming it violates constitutional provisions regarding state assembly agreements.
The case, now marked as SC/CV/178/2023, involves Kogi and fifteen other states, including Ondo, Edo, and Oyo.
A panel of seven Justices, headed by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, has accepted the states as co-plaintiffs, allowing their arguments to be consolidated for more efficient proceedings.
During a hearing, representatives from the involved states presented their cases.
Kogi State’s legal counsel emphasized the need for clarity on procedural matters, suggesting that states wishing to join should be officially recognized as co-plaintiffs.
Justice Abba-Aji agreed and scheduled the next hearing for October 22.
The plaintiffs asserted that the EFCC was established without the requisite approval from the majority of state assemblies, rendering it illegitimate.
Among the reliefs sought, Kogi State demanded a declaration that the Federal Government and its agencies lack authority over its funds and cannot investigate financial matters related to the state.
This legal action occurs in the backdrop of ongoing investigations into the previous Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, for alleged corruption.
Additionally, Kogi’s legislature recently enacted a law to create a state anti-graft agency, which the governor stated is not intended to undermine the EFCC’s authority.
