By Our Reporter 

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed lawsuits challenging the establishment and prosecutorial powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, a seven-member panel of the court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, described the suits as “selfish” and reaffirmed the legitimacy of the anti-graft agencies.

The apex court also upheld their authority to investigate and prosecute financial crimes across the country, reinforcing the mandate given to them by the National Assembly.

The cases were brought before the court by the Attorneys General of Kogi State and several others, who sought to challenge the legality of the agencies and their operations.

However, the Supreme Court sided with the Attorney General of the Federation, supporting the anti-corruption framework as essential for combating financial crimes in Nigeria.

The EFCC, established by an Act of the National Assembly on December 12, 2002, was later restructured under a repealed and reenacted law in 2004.

The updated legislation, signed into law by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo on June 4, 2004, has formed the foundation for the EFCC’s operations over the past two decades.