16 States' Suit Against EFCC: Judgment Pending

Supreme Court Delays Ruling on EFCC's Legality

This development comes as the Supreme Court is set to deliver a significant verdict on the EFCC's...

Constitutional Showdown: Supreme Court Delays EFCC Legality Ruling - 16 States Challenge Agency's Constitutionality

The Supreme Court has put on hold its ruling regarding the lawsuit filed by 16 states challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and two other federal agencies. The judgment date will be communicated to the parties involved at a later time.

In a recent development, Imo, Bauchi, and Osun states joined the lawsuit as co-plaintiffs during the resumed hearing on Tuesday, October 22. Conversely, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states withdrew from the lawsuit, prompting the Supreme Court to strike out their cases.

Case Updates:

New Co-plaintiffs: Imo, Bauchi, and Osun states have joined the lawsuit.

Withdrawn Plaintiffs: Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states have withdrawn from the lawsuit.

Next Steps: The Supreme Court will communicate the judgment date to the parties involved at a later time.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), made a request to Justice Uwani Abba-Aji to submit a legal process that had been filed earlier that morning. The request was granted, allowing the defendant to file a reply on points of law.

In a surprising move, the Anambra State Government announced its intention to withdraw from the lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Sylvia Ifemeje, the state's Attorney General, formally notified the court of this decision through a notice dated October 20, 2024.

This development comes as the Supreme Court is set to deliver a significant verdict on the EFCC's legitimacy, following a case brought by 16 state governments disputing the agency's constitutional foundation.

Osun State, represented by Attorney General Oluwole Bada, sought permission to join forces with Kogi State in their challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on October 22, 2024. Before the seven-member Supreme Court panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, Osun requested to consolidate its grievances, seeking the same relief as Kogi.

Notably, Sokoto State, which had initially joined as a co-plaintiff, failed to send legal representation to the hearing. However, several other states were represented, including:

Plaintiff States: Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Oyo, Benue, Plateau, Cross River, Ondo, Niger, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Imo, and Nasarawa

Withdrawn States: Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi (their cases were struck out by the Supreme Court) 

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, did not object to Anambra's withdrawal from the case.