The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a suit filed by 16 states challenging the constitutionality of laws establishing three key anti-corruption agencies: 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 delivered by a seven-member panel, Justice Uwani Abba-Aji declared the suit unmeritorious, affirming the National Assembly’s legislative competence in enacting the laws.
The apex court resolved all six issues raised by the plaintiffs against their favor.
The states had argued that the EFCC Act, derived from the United Nations Convention on Corruption, required ratification by a majority of state houses of assembly to be valid.
However, the court dismissed this claim, emphasizing that the laws establishing the agencies align with constitutional provisions.
This ruling reaffirms the legal framework empowering Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to operate independently and underscores the National Assembly’s authority to legislate on matters of national importance.
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a suit filed by 16 states challenging the constitutionality of laws establishing three key anti-corruption agencies: 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 delivered by a seven-member panel, Justice Uwani Abba-Aji declared the suit unmeritorious, affirming the National Assembly’s legislative competence in enacting the laws.
The apex court resolved all six issues raised by the plaintiffs against their favor.
The states had argued that the EFCC Act, derived from the United Nations Convention on Corruption, required ratification by a majority of state houses of assembly to be valid.
However, the court dismissed this claim, emphasizing that the laws establishing the agencies align with constitutional provisions.
This ruling reaffirms the legal framework empowering Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to operate independently and underscores the National Assembly’s authority to legislate on matters of national importance.
