Crime
EFCC Legality At Stake As Judiciary Watchdogs Backs Governors’ Lawsuit
A prominent coalition of lawyers, the Judiciary Watchdogs, has thrown its support behind a high-stakes legal case brought by 19 state governors challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This legal battle could mark a turning point for Nigerian federalism and reshape how anti-corruption efforts are managed nationwide.
READ MORE: Regina Daniels Reveals She Had 20 Boyfriends Before Meeting Hubby
In a statement signed by Co-National Convener Barrister Real S. Dennis, the Judiciary Watchdogs praised the governors for what it described as a “bold and visionary” step in questioning the EFCC’s structure and mandate.
“We, the Judiciary Watchdogs, a group of lawyers from the 36 states of the federation, wholeheartedly applaud the bold and visionary leadership of the 19 state governors who have taken a historic step to challenge the constitutionality of the EFCC and others at the Supreme Court,” Dennis stated.
The coalition argues that the EFCC’s enabling act was established without any input from state assemblies, which they say undermines state authority and contradicts the principles of federalism.
The lawyers contend that anti-corruption agencies should reflect the federal structure, with states having a say in their creation and operation.
“The Constitution empowers states as key stakeholders in lawmaking, particularly regarding governance,” the coalition stated.
“However, the Federal Government’s unilateral creation of agencies like the EFCC undermines federalism and state autonomy.”
The Judiciary Watchdogs argued that the EFCC has frequently faced allegations of selective enforcement and politically motivated cases, which undermine public trust.
“The EFCC, in particular, has faced criticism for operating beyond its mandate, often pursuing politically motivated cases that raise concerns about its impartiality,” they said.
The coalition suggested that disbanding these agencies might clear the path for more accountable and effective anti-corruption bodies, operating strictly within legal bounds and commanding public confidence.
“Disbanding these agencies could pave the way for a more accountable and effective mechanism for combating corruption—one that operates within the bounds of the law and commands public trust,” the coalition noted, emphasizing a need for anti-graft efforts that respect legal frameworks and state roles.
The lawyers also cited the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which Nigeria ratified in 2004, noting that its implementation should align with Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution, requiring state assembly approval for treaties to have force in Nigeria.
“The United Nations Convention against Corruption, ratified by Nigeria on December 14, 2004, must be implemented in accordance with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” the coalition stated, calling for both state and federal compliance with this mandate.
The coalition also pointed to the Supreme Court’s decision in Dr. Joseph Nwobike vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria, which questioned the EFCC Act’s constitutionality and underscored the importance of state involvement in anti-corruption lawmaking.
“We commend the 19 state governors for their courage and vision,” the Judiciary Watchdogs stated.
“Their pursuit of constitutional clarity and sovereignty will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and ensure that the rule of law prevails. We stand with them and urge the Supreme Court to uphold the Constitution.”
Crime
Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Checkpoint In Abia
A police officer is reportedly dead and another injured following an attack by unknown gunmen on a police checkpoint in the Ohafia area of Abia State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at Ugwu Abba Asaga, has sparked concerns over the rising wave of insecurity in the region.
The Abia State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the attack. However, when contacted, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, assured reporters that she would provide updates, but no further details had been shared as of the time of this report.
READ MORE: FG Allocates N112bn To Enhance Child Safety, Education In Three Years
This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks in Abia State. On Monday, the Abia State government accused unnamed politicians and external parties of fueling kidnappings and violence targeting security personnel and civilians since May 2024. In a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the government vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.
“The promoters of violence and insecurity in the state will pay a heavy price,” the statement read.
However, John Okiyi Kalu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, criticized the government’s position. He argued that insecurity in the state should not be politicized but rather addressed through actionable measures.
The attack has heightened tensions in the state, with citizens calling for swift action to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents and security personnel alike.
Crime
Ebonyi Police Crackdown Leaves Labourer Dead, Three Others Injured
A yet-to-be-identified labourer was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday, while three others sustained critical injuries, during an altercation involving the Crack Squad of the Ebonyi State Police Command at Ugwuechara Junction in Abakaliki.
Witnesses say the incident began when members of the Crack Squad stopped a motorcycle rider, accusing him of fraud and attempting to seize his motorcycle.
The rider reportedly identified himself as a member of the military but was allegedly assaulted by the operatives.
READ MORE: NCS Bars PoS Services, Others Within Apapa Command Premises
An eyewitness recounted, “As the policemen removed his cap and started hitting him with their guns, the bike man tried to resist them, possibly to snatch one of their guns.
“One of the team opened fire, which killed one of the labour seekers, who usually gather at the junction to look for daily jobs. Three persons were wounded and were rushed to the hospital.”
The deceased, a labourer waiting for work at the junction, was struck by the gunfire. Among the injured are a young apprentice at a barbershop and a female passer-by.
Witnesses say the police operatives took the body of the deceased and the motorcycle rider to their station after the incident.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
However, Obinna Mbam, the Special Assistant on Internal Security to Governor Francis Nwifuru, confirmed the incident.
“Normalcy has returned to the area,” Mr. Mbam said. “The state government will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The incident has sparked outrage among residents of Ebonyi State, who have raised concerns about the increasing cases of police brutality, extortion, and indiscriminate arrests.
Many residents also expressed dissatisfaction with the Crack Squad, which was established as part of police reforms following the disbandment of the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 2020.
Crime
IGP Files Fraud Charges Against Ex-Senator, Two Others Over N400m Scam
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has filed criminal charges against former Nigerian senator Andy Uba and two others, accusing them of defrauding a complainant, George Uboh, of N400 million.
The charges, which include two counts, were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Uba, who represented Anambra South in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, along with Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu, is alleged to have conspired with Hajiya Fatima, who remains at large, to defraud Uboh in 2022.
READ ALSO: Osun Shooting: Adeleke Sues For Peace As IGP Orders Immediate Arrest Of Moses Lohor
According to the charges, the accused individuals falsely claimed they could secure the appointment of the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for anyone who could pay N400 million.
“The accused persons collected the N400 million from Mr. Uboh and converted it into their personal use,” the police said, describing the actions as a violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act of 2006.
The police also revealed that six witnesses would testify against the accused parties.
The case was officially filed on 10 October 2023 by Abdulrashid Sidi from the Police Legal/Prosecution Section.
During a hearing on 13 November, the prosecution informed the court that the defendants had been evading the service of court documents despite being granted administrative bail.
“The defendants obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order, which had prevented the police from bringing them to court,” said M.L. Anthony, a lawyer for the prosecution.
“It was only after the order was lifted that the defendants were finally charged before the judge.”
The trial, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was adjourned until 18 February 2025.
This delay allows time for the defendants to appear in court and take their plea, following the prosecution’s efforts to ensure they are properly served with legal documents.