By Ken Chiwendu
A 7-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, on Friday dismissed the suit filed by 13 state govts challenging the Establishment Act of the anti-graft agencies: .
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The initial lawsuit was filed by the Attorney General of Kogi State, Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN with other states subsequently joining as plaintiffs, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,Lateef Fagbemi SAN
, named as the sole defendant.
The lawsuit claimed that the EFCC was established based on an incorporation of a United Nations convention recommendation, rather than an explicit provision in the Nigerian constitution.
But Fagbemi argued that the EFCC ‘s existence is grounded in Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power
Fagbemi added that a ruling in favour of the plaintiffs could translate to the Supreme Court opposing anti- corruption efforts.
Agreeing with Fagbemi ‘s argument, the panel of justices thereby concluded that the EFCC Act is competent as it was enacted by the National Assembly.
In a unanimous judgement, the judges held ” The plaintiffs suit fails and is hereby dismissed in its entirety.”
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