The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in a suit filed by 16 state governments challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) and other related bodies.
A seven-member panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, made this decision on Tuesday after hearing the arguments presented by lawyers from both sides.
The lawsuit was originally initiated by the Kogi State Government, represented by its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
Several other states, including Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, and Niger, later joined the suit as co-plaintiffs, marked SC/CV/178/2023.
However, during the proceedings, the Attorneys General of Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi states announced their withdrawal from the case, a request which the panel granted.
The case, which questions the constitutionality of the EFCC’s establishment, is being closely watched as it could have significant implications for the future of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
