The Supreme Court has dismissed a suit filed by Kogi State and 15 others challenging the legality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
In a unanimous decision on Friday, a seven-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, ruled that the suit lacked merit. The court resolved all six issues raised by the plaintiffs against their favor.
The ruling affirmed that the National Assembly validly enacted the laws establishing these anti-corruption agencies, exercising its legislative competence. The court also dismissed the argument that the EFCC Act required ratification by a majority of state Houses of Assembly, as it is rooted in the United Nations Convention on Corruption.
This landmark decision reinforces the legal framework supporting Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. Further details on the judgment are expected soon.
