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.
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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.”
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
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According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
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According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
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According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
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