Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has suspended Fidelis Mnyim, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, following his involvement in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The suspension comes as the Supreme Court reserved judgment on a suit filed by 19 states questioning the legal foundation of the EFCC. In the proceedings, Imo and Bauchi states joined as co-plaintiffs, while Osun State sought a consolidation of the case. Notably, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states have withdrawn their suits.
The states involved in the ongoing legal challenge include Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Oyo, Benue, Plateau, Cross River, Ondo, Niger, Edo, Bauchi, Imo, Osun, Nasarawa, Ogun, and Taraba. They argue that the EFCC’s establishment contravenes Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that the UN Convention against Corruption, which informed the EFCC Establishment Act, was improperly integrated into Nigerian law.
As the court prepares to communicate a date for judgment, this suspension highlights the ongoing tensions regarding the oversight and establishment of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.
