Anambra State Withdraws from Legal Challenge Against EFCC

The Anambra State Government has officially withdrawn from a legal suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its operations.

This announcement, made on Tuesday, comes as part of a broader lawsuit originally filed by the Kogi State Government, which seeks to declare the EFCC, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) unconstitutional.

In a notice dated October 20, Anambra’s Attorney General, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, informed the Supreme Court of the state’s decision to step back from the case.

Meanwhile, Osun State, represented by Attorney General Mr. Oluwole Bada, has sought to join the lawsuit and consolidate its own grievances against the EFCC, arguing for similar reliefs.

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During the Tuesday hearing, a seven-member Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, noted the absence of Sokoto State, which had previously participated in the case but did not send a legal representative.

Other states involved in the proceedings include Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Oyo, Benue, Plateau, Cross River, Ondo, Niger, Edo, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, and Nasarawa.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, did not oppose Anambra’s request to withdraw.

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The ongoing case arises from a collective legal action by 16 states challenging the constitutional basis for the EFCC’s establishment, arguing that the agency was not properly constituted under the 1999 Constitution, which requires approval from state legislatures.

Kogi State has raised six critical issues in its submissions and is seeking nine major reliefs, including a declaration that the EFCC and other federal agencies lack the authority to manage or investigate state funds without consent.