The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on a major legal challenge brought by 16 state governments questioning the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The case, heard by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji and a seven-member panel of justices, reached this stage on Tuesday after comprehensive arguments from the attorneys representing all parties.
Initially filed by the Kogi State Government through its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the lawsuit has seen several states join as co-plaintiffs.
The states participating in the case, marked SC/CV/178/2023, include Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, and Niger.
However, the Attorneys General of Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi have withdrawn from the case, with the Supreme Court granting their requests for withdrawal.
The suit raises important questions about federal anti-corruption enforcement, challenging the legal foundation of the EFCCโs establishment under current laws. The Supreme Courtโs ruling will be highly anticipated, as it could significantly affect the balance of power between federal and state authorities in the administration of justice.