Supreme Court Rules On Suit Instituted By Governors Against EFCC, ICPC, NFIU

Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the suit instituted by some state Attorneys General challenging the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act.

The suit, which was initially instituted by attorneys general of 16 states, sought the scrapping of the anti-graft agency.

The suit also sought the scrapping of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

While some states withdrew from the suit, some others asked to be joined as co-plaintiffs.

In a unanimous judgment on Friday, a seven-member panel of the apex court held that the suit was without merit.

In the lead judgment by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, the Supreme Court resolved the six issues raised for determination in the suit against the plaintiffs.

The Supreme Court held that the laws establishing the anti-corruption agencies were validly enacted by the National Assembly within its legislative competence.

It faulted the claim by the plaintiffs that the EFCC Act, being a product of the United Nations convention on corruption, ought to be ratified by majority of the state House of Assembly.