The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a case filed by 16 states challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and two other bodies. A date for the ruling will be communicated to the parties.
During the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Imo, Bauchi, and Osun states joined as co-plaintiffs, while Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states withdrew their suits, which were subsequently struck out by the court.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), represented the defendant and requested the court’s permission to submit a filing made earlier that morning. Justice Uwani Abba-Aji granted the defendant leave to use the reply on a point of law.
Meanwhile, debates continue over calls to scrap the EFCC. The agency has accused governors of attempting to undermine its efforts in fighting corruption, a significant issue in Nigeria. EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren argued that the push for its dissolution stems from governors “feeling the heat” of its work.
In an interview on Channels Television, Uwujaren stated, “Nigeria cannot survive without the EFCC” given the country’s severe corruption challenges, and urged the public to oppose efforts to disband the agency.