16 Governors Challenge EFCC’s Constitutionality in Court
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has set October 22, 2024, to hear a case filed by 16 state governments challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The states argue that the EFCC Act, which was enacted in 2004 based on a United Nations convention against corruption, did not follow the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution.
This section mandates that such international conventions must be approved by a majority of state Houses of Assembly before being incorporated into Nigerian law.
The governors contend that since this process was not adhered to, the EFCC and related institutions should be deemed unconstitutional.
The case, initially brought by Kogi State, has since been joined by other states, including Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, and others.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the powers of federal institutions in relation to state governance in Nigeria.