JIGAWA State has formally exited the prominent Supreme Court case initiated by Kogi State against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is filed under case number SC/CV/178/2023.
The lawsuit challenges the constitutional authority of the EFCC to investigate state-managed funds.
During a press briefing today, Jigawa’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bello Fanini, confirmed the state’s withdrawal, stating it aligns with Jigawa’s current legal and administrative focus.
“On October 24, 2024, I filed a notice of withdrawal in Abuja to formally remove Jigawa State from the case pending at the Supreme Court. This notice has been served to the Chief Registrar, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and other plaintiff states,” Fanini stated.
The case, originally filed by Kogi State, questions the powers of the EFCC, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and other federal agencies to investigate and prosecute state governments over the management of state resources.
Kogi, along with 14 other states, contends that the EFCC’s Establishment Act is in conflict with the Nigerian Constitution, claiming the anti-corruption agency lacks constitutional authority over states.
Fanini clarified that although Jigawa initially joined as a co-plaintiff, the state leadership has now chosen to focus on more pressing legal matters.
“We believe withdrawing from this case is in Jigawa’s best interest, allowing us to direct our legal efforts toward cases more relevant to the state’s governance and legal priorities,” he said.
He emphasized that Jigawa’s exit does not diminish the legitimacy of the issues raised by the other states involved in the lawsuit.
“The points raised are significant, and we respect the legal arguments presented by the other states,” he noted. “However, our priority is to utilize our legal resources in ways that directly benefit Jigawa’s citizens.”
The case has attracted national attention, with the plaintiffs arguing that the EFCC should only investigate states under conditions specified by the Constitution, including approvals from state Houses of Assembly.
Legal experts are closely following the Supreme Court’s handling of this constitutional matter.
