The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has hailed the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its landmark judgment on Friday, November 15, 2024, which dismissed a suit filed by some state governments, led by Kogi State, challenging the legitimacy and prosecutorial powers of Nigeria’s key anti-corruption agencies. This ruling is seen as a significant victory for the rule of law and the ongoing battle against corruption in the country.
CISLAC applauded the court’s decision to uphold the legitimacy and authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that no individual or entity can hold the nation hostage through legal challenges aimed at undermining the fight against corruption.
The seven-member panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, unanimously dismissed the suit filed by 19 state governments, affirming that the legal action lacked merit. Justice Abba-Aji’s assertion that no state government can enact laws that conflict with federal laws establishing the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU reaffirms the supremacy of national laws in the fight against corruption. The court’s decision also reasserted the investigative and prosecutorial powers of these agencies over both state and federal-level crimes, a vital step in ensuring accountability and justice across the country.
CISLAC expressed its appreciation for the ruling, calling it a critical boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework. The organization urged state governments to cooperate with federal anti-corruption agencies and support their work in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. The ruling, according to CISLAC, should serve as a deterrent to those attempting to derail the fight against corruption through frivolous lawsuits.
In the wake of recent comments by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on corruption within the judiciary, CISLAC also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to thoroughly investigate and sanction erring judges and judicial staff. Furthermore, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee were urged to take decisive action against lawyers found complicit in corrupt practices or in collusion with corrupt judges.
CISLAC also appealed to the National Assembly to mainstream anti-corruption agencies into Nigeria’s constitution. This would ensure a stronger legal framework for the agencies, bolstering their independence and long-term effectiveness in the fight against corruption.
Additionally, CISLAC advocated for comprehensive judicial sector reform, emphasizing the importance of an efficient, transparent, and accountable judiciary in upholding the rule of law. These reforms are vital in restoring public confidence in the justice system and ensuring that the judiciary plays a central role in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.
The organization concluded by urging all Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU in their mission to combat corruption, calling for collective efforts to build a more transparent, accountable, and just society.