Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has challenged the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as an unlawful organization. In two letters addressed to the National Assembly on October 14, 2024, Agbakoba argued that the EFCC’s establishment exceeds the powers granted to the National Assembly.
Agbakoba’s letters, addressed to the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, called for urgent legislative attention on constitutional reforms related to law enforcement agencies and anti-corruption efforts. He emphasized that the EFCC’s role conflicts with the government’s objective of abolishing corruption as outlined in Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Agbakoba also praised the current challenge against the EFCC by 16 states, which have filed a suit seeking to restrict the commission from auditing state government accounts. The Supreme Court is set to rule on the matter on October 22, 2024.
The legal expert urged the Senate to convene a public hearing to address these constitutional issues and strengthen the nation’s law enforcement and anti-corruption frameworks.
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