News
UPDATED: Supreme Court dismisses states’ suit challenging constitutionality of EFCC, others
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the suit by 16 states against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), challenging the constitutionality of the acts establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and two others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the other agencies are the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
A seven-member panel of justices, in a unanimous judgment, held that the suit was unmeritorious.
In the lead judgment by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, the Supreme Court resolved the six issues raised for determination in the suit against the plaintiffs.
The court held that the laws establishing the anti-corruption agencies were validly enacted by the National Assembly within its legislative competence.
It faulted the claim by the plaintiffs that the EFCC Act, being a product of the United Nations convention on corruption, ought to be ratified by majority of the state’s houses of assembly.
The plaintiffs had, in their suit, argued that the Supreme Court, in Dr Joseph Nwobike Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria, had held that it was a UN Convention against corruption that was reduced into the EFCC Establishment Act and that in enacting this law in 2004, the provision of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not followed.
They argued that, in bringing a convention into the Nigerian law, the provision of Section 12 must be complied with.
According to them, the provisions of the constitution necessitated the majority of the states’ Houses of Assembly agreeing to bringing the convention in before passing the EFCC Act and others, which was allegedly never done.
While delivering judgement on Friday, Justice Abba-Aji ruled that “the EFCC Act, which was not established from a treaty but a convention, does not need the ratification of the houses of assembly.”
“Let me first look at the constitutional provision. The plaintiffs rely on Section 12 of the constitution in their argument. Treaty is an agreement reached by two or more countries which has to be ratified.
“Conventions are agreed by a larger number of nations. Conventions only come into force when a larger number of countries had agreed.
“Therefore, the EFCC Act, which is not a treaty but a convention does not need the ratification of the houses of assembly.
“A convention would have been ratified by members state and the National Assembly can make laws from it, which will be binding on all the states in Nigeria as it is the case of EFCC Establishment Act,” the judge said.
The apex court, therefore, dismissed, the suit in its entirety and resolved the case against the plaintiffs.
“In a country like Nigeria, the federating units do not have absolute power. The NFIU guideline is to present a benchmark and not to control the funds.
“Where an Act of law is made by the National Assembly like the NFIU and its guideline, it is binding on all.
“Any act that has been competently enacted by the National Assembly cannot be said to be inconsistent,” she said.
The judge held that where the National Assembly had enecated several laws on corruption, money laundering, etc, no state had the right to make law to compete with it.
“The investigative power of the EFCC cannot be said to be in conflict with legislative powers of the state’s houses of assembly.
“I must agree with the honourable AGF that the plaintiffs’ argument, that is, the houses of assembly of the plaintiffs states, is not tenable in law,” she added.
Abba-Aji ruled that the NFIU guideline had not contravened the provision of the constitution in the management of the state’s funds and resolved the issues against the plaintiffs.
All other judges agreed with the lead judgment, saying all the issues raised in the states’ suit had no merit “and are accordingly dismissed.”
Justice Abba-Aji had earlier dismissed all objections of the Federal Government to the suit filed by the states.
Justice Abba-Aji said the plaintiffs’ case was against the AGF and not any of the agencies mentioned, hence, the Supreme Court had jurisdiction to determine it.
“Since the AGF is assumed to be the chief law officer of the federation, he is by all means the proper and necessary party in the suit..
“The AGF has locus standi to institute action against any one and the AGF can be sued in any civil matter against the government.”
The judge held that it was clear that the Federal Government had legal tussle with the states based on the directive of the NFIU which the states were contending.
“Therefore, the preliminary objection is hereby dismissed,” he ruled.
Reacting, the Counsel to Kogi Attorney-General, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, said, “This is an issue we have raised before the Federal High Court, it was not addressed.
“We raised it at the Appeal Court and was not addressed. This is going to enrich our jurisprudence. We thank your lordship for hearing us out.”
Representative of the AGF, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, said:”we convey our gratitude to the court for your wisdom.
“Your lordship has permanently settled the legality of the anti-corruption agency in fighting corruption.”(NAN)
News
Rising Political Tension: Wife Of Rivers State Head Of Service, George Nwaeke Pleads For Her husband’s Safety
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The escalating political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Friday as Florence Nwaeke, wife of former state Head of Service George Nwaeke, voiced deep concerns over her husband’s whereabouts.
Fighting back tears, she appealed to the public, revealing she had lost contact with him and feared for his life.
According to Mrs Nwaeke, her husband had travelled to Abuja and confirmed his arrival via a phone call. However, subsequent events took a baffling turn when reports surfaced of an unexpected interview attributed to him. The news left her in shock, as she insisted the statements made were uncharacteristic of her husband.
“I was confused when I heard he had given an interview. I asked myself, ‘An interview about what?’ That was not my husband speaking,” she said, overwhelmed with emotion.
Fearing for his safety, Mrs Nwaeke attempted to reach her husband multiple times but received no response.
“I sent him messages asking if he was under duress, if he had been kidnapped, but there was no reply,” she recounted. “His phone is off, and I do not know where he is. Nigerians, please help me!”
Her plea for help emerged just hours after Mr Nwaeke’s interview, in which he accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of secretly backing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed Fubara had encouraged militants to stage attacks, allegations that sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
In a subsequent video, Mrs Nwaeke made a direct appeal to Governor Fubara, imploring him to intervene and ensure her husband’s safety.
“Governor Fubara, please help me. My husband is in trouble,” she cried. “He has been forced to say things he knows nothing about. He resigned just to protect himself.”
Her statement suggested that Mr Nwaeke may have been pressured into making claims against the governor, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political crisis.
Governor Fubara quickly dismissed the allegations, insinuating that Mr Nwaeke had been either bribed or coerced into making false statements.
“The truth is that Dr Nwaeke has been compromised,” Fubara asserted in a statement. “He is only making these claims to fulfil promises to those who have either paid him or forced him into this.”
To support his counterclaim, the governor released purported screenshots of conversations between Mr Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
These messages suggested that Mr Nwaeke had previously sought financial assistance and political backing, allegedly citing a monthly income of N500,000 as inadequate.
Meanwhile, the public awaits further developments, hoping for Mr Nwaeke’s safe return and a resolution to the escalating crisis.
Petrol tanker explosions in Nigeria have become a pressing concern, with alarming statistics revealing that no fewer than 555 people lost their lives between January 2020 and January 2025. Data from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has highlighted the severity of these incidents, prompting urgent discussions on safety measures and regulations.
According to Joyce Alexander, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra State, these fatal accidents have caused extensive loss of life and destruction of property.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on “Tanker and Trailer Safety Challenges in Nigeria” in Awka, she outlined the staggering figures:
2020: 18 tanker explosions, 161 deaths.
2021: 19 tanker explosions, 55 fatalities.
2022: 14 tanker explosions, 76 deaths.
2023: 13 tanker explosions, 118 fatalities.
2024: 13 tanker explosions, 85 casualties.
January 2025: 7 recorded tanker explosions.
Recognising the severity of the situation, the FRSC has proposed several strategies to curb tanker-related accidents:
Strict Enforcement of Speed Limits: Ensuring that haulage vehicles are equipped with speed-limiting devices.
Regular Training for Drivers: Educating tanker operators on road safety measures and responsible driving habits.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance: Mandating periodic checks to identify and fix mechanical faults before tankers hit the road.
Legislative Action: Introducing harsher penalties for tanker owners who fail to comply with safety standards.
Establishing Rest Areas: Providing designated stops to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Uche Noah, a Chief Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division, Awka, urged drivers to avoid alcohol and illicit substances while on duty, which significantly contribute to road accidents.
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
The Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, has commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for fostering an inclusive government and uniting the people of the state.
Speaking at the 2025 Kaduna North Annual Deanery Cathedraticum, Archbishop Ndagoso praised Governor Sani’s leadership, contrasting it with the divisive policies of the previous administration under Nasir el-Rufai.
“The past administration divided the people; many did not feel a sense of belonging across the senatorial districts,” Ndagoso said.
“The past government acknowledged only a selected few, but in the last two years, Governor Uba Sani has bridged the gap created by his predecessor.”
The Archbishop urged the Catholic community to focus on their faith rather than the shortcomings of individual priests.
“Nobody is perfect, and no one should judge another. We should learn to adjust our ways and look at Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for mankind,” he said.
Ndagoso also commended the lay faithful for their unwavering support of the archdiocese and called on Kaduna residents and Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Similarly, Lt. Col. G.O.I, Parish Priest of the Chaplaincy of St Peter’s Ribadu Cantonment, expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for selecting his parish to host this year’s Cathedraticum.