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By Emmanuel Kwada
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has dismissed a suit filed by 16 state attorneys general challenging the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act. The plaintiffs had argued that the EFCC was unconstitutionally established, citing a previous Supreme Court ruling in Dr. Joseph Nwobike Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria. However, the court has now upheld the legitimacy of the anti-graft agency.
This verdict comes as a significant relief for the EFCC, which has been at the forefront of combating financial crimes in Nigeria. The commission’s existence was threatened by the suit, which sought to scrap it entirely. With this dismissal, the EFCC can continue its crucial work without legal hurdles.
The suit was initially filed by attorneys general of 16 states, with some later withdrawing and others joining as co-plaintiffs. The plaintiffs claimed that the EFCC Establishment Act violated Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. However, the Supreme Court’s decision has now put the matter to rest.
The suit was initially filed by attorneys general of 16 states, with some later withdrawing and others joining as co-plaintiffs
This outcome is a testament to the EFCC’s importance in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The agency’s work has been instrumental in bringing high-profile cases to justice, and its continued existence ensures that financial crimes will continue to be prosecuted.
