The Supreme Court is set to hear a suit on October 22 filed by 16 state governments challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The suit, led by Kogi State and 15 other states, questions the constitutionality of the laws establishing the EFCC.
The states, including Ondo, Edo, Oyo, and others, seek to join the suit originally filed by Kogi State and have expressed concerns over the formation of the EFCC allegedly breaching constitutional provisions.
During the proceedings, the states’ lawyers presented their submissions with some seeking to be co-plaintiffs and others requesting consolidation of the case. The court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, granted their prayers, adjourning the matter for a hearing on October 22.
The suit arises amidst the EFCC’s move to trial the former Kogi governor for alleged fraud, while the state itself recently passed a bill to create its anti-graft agency. The state-owned agency is not intended to rival the EFCC and ICPC, as stated by Kogi lawmakers.