Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi withdraw from suit challenging EFCC’s legality

…Osun and Nasarawa seek to join

Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi states have withdrawn from the suit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The suit, marked SC/CV/178/2023, was initiated by the Kogi State government and subsequently joined by 18 other states contesting the constitutionality of the laws that established the EFCC.

The original plaintiffs included Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Oyo, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, Ondo, Niger, Edo, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Imo states.

However, at the commencement of the hearing on Tuesday before a seven-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, the three states notified the Court of their applications to withdraw from the suit.

Sylvia Ifemeje, Attorney General of Anambra State, informed the Court that Anambra, listed as the ninth plaintiff in the suit, had filed a notice of withdrawal dated 20th October and submitted on 21st October 2024.

Similarly, Adamawa’s legal counsel informed the Court of its withdrawal notice dated 14th October, while Ikenna Nwidagu, Attorney General of Ebonyi State, also submitted an application on 21st October.

Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation, did not object to their withdrawal, quoting, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”

The seven-member panel subsequently granted their applications and struck out the names of the states listed as the 9th, 16th and 18th plantiff from the suit.

Meanwhile, Osun and Nasarawa states have filed separate applications seeking to consolidate their cases with the ongoing proceedings.