The case is currently before the Supreme Court.
Two days after suspending the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Benue State Government has withdrawn from the suit challenging the constitutionality of the laws that established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The case is currently before the Supreme Court.
The withdrawal is contained in an application obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Makurdi.
In an application to withdraw and dated October 23, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim for the Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order revealed the state’s decision to withdraw from the case.
“Take notice that the Attorney General of Benue State, who is the 8th plaintiff, hereby discontinues this suit against the Attorney General of the Federation, the defendant,” it reads.
The Supreme Court reserved judgment on the suit initially instituted by 19 states.
Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday suspended the Attorney General indefinitely for joining the state in the suit without his consent.
“No appointee is permitted to act unilaterally. No matter how pressing or urgent the issue is, one must resort to due consultations with me or appropriately brief me and seek my permission before acting, especially in a sensitive matter,” the governor said.
“My administration is holding accountable those who embezzled money and drained our state dry. The EFCC and ICPC are assisting us in this effort.”
The EFCC is facing a critical juncture as its legality has become the focal point of discussions, fueled by uncertainty surrounding the Supreme Court's decision.
This development has sparked intense debate about the commission's powers and its role in combating financial crimes in Nigeria.
As established in 2003, the EFCC was tasked with investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, including money laundering, advance fee fraud, and mismanagement of public funds.