The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, upholding the continued existence of the anti-graft agency.

A seven-man panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani-Abba-Aji, ruled that the case, filed by Attorneys General from several states, was without merit.

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The lawsuit, initially filed by the Attorneys General of 16 states, sought the dissolution of the EFCC, which was established to combat corruption in Nigeria.

The states involved in the case included Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nassarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross-River, and Niger.

As the legal proceedings unfolded, some states withdrew their support, while others joined the case as co-plaintiffs.

Notably, Imo, Bauchi, and Osun states joined the suit on October 22, while Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states withdrew, leading to the dismissal of their claims by the court.

The ruling strengthens the EFCC’s legal foundation, ensuring the continued operation of the commission in its fight against financial crimes in the country.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has taken stern disciplinary actions against judicial officers, suspending two judges and recommending the compulsory retirement of two heads of courts over alleged misconduct.

At its 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024, and chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Council suspended Justice G. C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court.

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Both judges were suspended from performing judicial duties for one year without pay and placed on a two-year watch list following the suspension period.

In a related development, the NJC recommended the compulsory retirement of: Hon. Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State and Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State.

The decision followed findings that both judicial officers falsified their ages, a breach of judicial ethics and integrity.

Additional Disciplinary Measures

During the meeting, the NJC disciplined a total of five serving judicial officers for various acts of misconduct. It also reviewed 30 petitions submitted against judges nationwide: 22 petitions were dismissed for lacking merit.

Two petitions were deemed sub judice.

Six petitions were referred for further investigation, with committees empanelled for that purpose.

The NJC also initiated an investigation into allegations against Hon. Justice O. A. Ojo, Chief Judge of Osun State, and empanelled a committee to review all complaints and petitions lodged against her.

More update shortly………… 

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has confirmed that the long-awaited 250-bed specialist hospital in Abeokuta, abandoned by the previous administration, will commence partial operations in March 2025, with full services set to begin in June 2025.

The announcement was made on Thursday during the official handover of the hospital to Viewpoint Health Management Services Limited and Pan African Capital Holdings at the Governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

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Currently 65% complete, the hospital, located in Oke-Mosan, will provide advanced healthcare services to residents of Ogun State and neighboring regions.

Governor Abiodun expressed confidence that the facility, once fully operational, will meet the critical healthcare needs of the state.

“We are committed to ensuring this hospital meets the specific needs of our population. It will open partially in March 2025 and be fully operational by June 2025,” Abiodun said.

“After months of negotiation, we are excited to formalize this partnership, which will deliver world-class healthcare to Ogun State.”

The facility will be managed by Viewpoint Health Management Services Limited, in partnership with HealthShare South Africa, a global leader in healthcare management.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that Viewpoint would oversee the completion of the hospital’s infrastructure, reconfigure the existing space, provide additional equipment, and ensure the facility operates according to international healthcare standards.

In her remarks, Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State Health Commissioner, stressed that the hospital would set a new benchmark for the country’s healthcare system, enhancing service delivery and strengthening the state’s medical infrastructure.

Chris Oshiafi, Chairman of Pan African Capital Holdings, noted that the acquisition talks for the hospital began three years ago, and his company is committed to making the facility a leading medical hub, aiming to reduce medical tourism.

Dr. Tony Decoito, Chairman of Viewpoint HealthShare, reiterated the commitment to completing the project on time, promising that the hospital would be equipped with cutting-edge technology and serve as a center for medical innovation, research, and training.

Once completed, the hospital is expected to not only improve healthcare services in Ogun State but also serve as a model for modern medical facilities across Nigeria.