Anambra State has decided to withdraw from the lawsuit aimed at declaring the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) illegal. The state, represented by its Attorney General, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, formally communicated its withdrawal to the Supreme Court on October 20.
The decision came as Osun State applied to consolidate its grievances against the EFCC with those of Kogi State. At the court session presided over by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, Sokoto State did not send a legal representative, while several other states including Kogi, Kebbi, and Ondo reaffirmed their participation.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, appeared as the defendant in the matter and did not oppose Anambra State's withdrawal.
The lawsuit involves 16 states challenging the legality of the EFCC's establishment, arguing that it was not properly constituted under the 1999 Constitution. They contend that the EFCC Act did not receive the required approval from state legislatures as mandated by the Constitution.
Kogi State, one of the leading plaintiffs, has raised specific legal questions and sought declarations restricting EFCC's jurisdiction over state and local government finances.
The Supreme Court is expected to adjudicate on the constitutional issues raised by the states concerning the establishment and powers of the EFCC.
