The Federal Government has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by 19 states seeking to declare the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) illegal. Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the government contended that the suit poses a threat to the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria.
Fagbemi highlighted a preliminary objection and counter-affidavit submitted on October 18, questioning the legal validity of the suit. He emphasized that the EFCC was established in accordance with Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The AGF refuted the plaintiffs’ claim that the EFCC Act originated from an international convention that was not properly domesticated in Nigeria. He warned that a ruling in favor of the states could undermine the fight against corruption and have serious implications for previous convictions.
This objection came on a day when three states withdrew from the legal action.