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19 States Challenge EFCC, ICPC, NFIU: Group Criticizes Federal Government’s Tactics

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 21st, 2024.

19 States Challenge EFCC, ICPC, NFIU: Group Criticizes Federal Government’s Tactics

The Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria (SRLN) has expressed its concerns regarding the Federal Government’s handling of a Supreme Court case filed by several states against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

In a statement released on Monday by Coordinator Dr. Chima Ubeku, the group criticized the Federal Government for resorting to emotional arguments and intimidation tactics against the states involved. They argued that the government’s claims that these states seek to undermine the anti-corruption agencies out of malice is misguided.

The states involved in the lawsuit (SC/178/2023) include Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Oyo, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, Ondo, Niger, Edo, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Imo. Notably, Nasarawa and Ogun states, which are also part of the legal challenge, are contesting only the NFIU’s cash withdrawal guidelines.

The plaintiffs argue that the Federal Government lacks the authority to control funds allocated by their state legislatures and seek to invalidate the EFCC, ICPC, NFIU, and the Proceeds of Crime Act, which they claim were established without the necessary ratification from their Houses of Assembly, as required by Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution.

In response, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, filed a preliminary objection on October 17, 2024, arguing that the Supreme Court does not have jurisdiction over the suit and asserting that the plaintiffs are simply opposed to the actions of federal anti-corruption agencies.

The SRLN commended the states for their initiative, viewing the lawsuit as a step toward enhancing federalism in Nigeria.