Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has suspended the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Fidelis Mnyim, for his involvement in a legal challenge against the legitimacy of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Mnyim, who joined other states in contesting the legality of the EFCC’s establishment, was removed from his position for participating in the ongoing legal proceedings questioning the constitutionality of the anti-corruption agencies.
The suspension, announced by the state government, is seen as a direct response to Mnyim’s role in the controversial lawsuit.
The legal challenge, filed by 19 states, questions the process that led to the creation of the EFCC under the EFCC Establishment Act of 2004.
The states argue that the Act was improperly enacted, citing a violation of Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates compliance with certain protocols when incorporating international conventions into domestic law.
Specifically, they claim that the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, which forms the basis of the EFCC law, was not properly domesticated under Nigerian law.
The case, which was heard on Tuesday by the Supreme Court, involves several states, including Kogi, Benue, Oyo, Plateau, and others, seeking clarity on the constitutional grounds of the EFCC and ICPC.
While two states, Imo and Bauchi, have joined the suit as co-plaintiffs, other states like Osun have sought consolidation of their claims.
However, three states—Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa—have withdrawn their participation in the lawsuit.
The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on the matter, with a date to be communicated to the parties involve.
The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the continued operation of Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies and their constitutional legitimacy.
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