News
JUST IN: 19 States’ suit Against EFCC: Supreme Court reserves judgment as 3 States Withdraw
● Imo, Bauchi, Osun Join
The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, reserved judgment in the suit filed by 19 states challenging the constitutionality of the laws that established the EFCC , ICPC and NFIU, to a date to be communicated to the parties.
During the resumed hearing of the suit today, Imo, Bauchi and Osun states joined the suit as co-plaintiffs, while Anambra, Ebonyi and Adamawa states announced their decisions to withdraw their suits.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who was present in the court as the Defendant, had craved the court’s indulgence to take the process they filed on Tuesday morning. Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, thereby granted leave to the defendant to use the reply on point of law filed on Tuesday.
Mohammed Abdulwahab, who appeared for the 1st Plaintiff, pointed out that the amended processes filed by the AGF were different from what had initially been filed, noting that he had to refile his processes to answer to the fresh issues and facts.
The old processes were therefore struck out. “I seek your lordship indulgence to adopt the processes. We urge your lordship to grant all the reliefs sought.
“The crux of our suit is the decision of this court. The counsel that represented the appellant in that suit by the rules of this Court Order 4, will be called to address this court. He participated in the bill that birthed the EFCC and ICPC together,” he said.
The judge asked who the Counsel was, and Wahab, replied: Chief Kanu Agabi. “Chief Kanu Agabi, told this court that it was the Convention of the UN that reduced this into law. Section 12, that provision was never followed.
“This fact was not an issue with the case of AG Ondo Vs AG Federation. So there is a specific provision for bringing a convention in. You cannot just be talking about Items 7 of 8.
“We are also challenging the foundation of those laws that created NIFU, EFCC, etc. in order not to create a constitutional crisis.
“We urge you to allow our appeal and award heavy cost in favour of the Plaintiff on record,” the Counsel said.
In response, Fagbemi, contended that the case of AG Ondo v. AG Federation and other decisions had already settled all the issues raised in the Plaintiffs’ case and that the Supreme Court could not depart from those decisions.
He, therefore, prayed that the suit be dismissed. On AG Ekiti State Vs AGF, Counsel for the Defendant, T. A Gazali, pointed out that the state was not represented at the last sitting and was not also represented on Tuesday.
“We apply that the matter be struck out for want of diligent prosecution my lord,” Gazali prayed. This was granted.
The Attorney-General of Osun State, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, informed the court of their application for consolidation of their suit with that of Kogi State.
“We have an application before your lordship and with your kind permission, we are ready to proceed.
It is an application for consolidation,” he said. The judge, however, said that the interesting thing about the case was that they were already part of the matter.
“So why do you want to consolidate? Judgment has already been reserved.”
The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, 2025, as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday.
He emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, who had to die for the redemption of man, while greeting Christians on the joyous occasion.
In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.
Details later…
Some unknown gunmen have killed at least three policemen in Achi, Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Ohibaba.com learnt that the incident occurred at a checkpoint close to Ozudaa Market, Auchi.
Details of the incident are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.
However, a viral gory video seen on Facebook by Ohibaba.com shows lifeless bodies of the slain policemen.
More to follow….
Watch the video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Nasrk54MA/
In a decisive move to end the protracted land dispute between the Isinigbo and Igoba communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved the constitution of an Arbitration Committee to mediate the conflict and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, expert in conflict resolution and a Fellow of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Arbitratirs in the United Kingdom.
The Governor’s action aligns with a resolution of the Ondo State House of Assembly and underscores his administration’s commitment to peace, security, and communal harmony across the state.
The land dispute between Isinigbo and Igoba has lingered for years, leading to the loss of lives and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The unrest has also strained social relations and disrupted the peaceful coexistence of residents in the affected communities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s intervention is seen as a bold step toward restoring order and ensuring long-term stability.
The committee’s mandate includes identifying the root and immediate causes of the conflict, key actors involved, and facilitating peaceful dialogue between stakeholders.
Other members of the committee include Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency II in the State House of Assembly; Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilson Afolabi; Ondo State Surveyor-General, Surv. Idowu Owolabi; and Mr. F.O. Adaramola, Secretary of the Ondo State Boundary Commission, who will serve as secretary of the committee.
According to the appointment letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the committee is also expected to recommend actionable solutions to the boundary issues and propose strategic policies to prevent similar conflicts in other parts of the state.
The committee has been given a three-month timeline to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Olayide Owolabi Adelami, for further action.
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