Following the ruling, the EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing high-profile corruption cases, including an ongoing investigation into the alleged N110 billion fraud involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed a lawsuit filed by 13 state governments challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The legal action, which was initiated by the Kogi State Government and subsequently joined by 18 other states, argued that the EFCC’s establishment was based on a United Nations convention recommendation and lacked direct constitutional backing.
The plaintiffs claimed that the anti-graft agency was not founded on explicit provisions within the Nigerian Constitution, but on international obligations. However, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the EFCC’s legal foundation. Fagbemi referenced Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the Nigerian state to eliminate corrupt practices and abuse of power, asserting that the EFCC’s mandate is constitutionally sound.
The case was heard by a seven-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji. In a unanimous decision, the justices upheld Fagbemi’s arguments and ruled that the case lacked merit.
The court’s decision represents a significant victory for the anti graft agency, which plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
Following the ruling, the anti graft agency reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing high-profile corruption cases, including an ongoing investigation into the alleged N110 billion fraud involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
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