The Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, has publicly addressed the misconception surrounding Ogun State’s legal stance on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a recent statement, he expressed his perplexity regarding continued media narratives suggesting that Ogun State is partaking in challenges against the EFCC’s legality in the Supreme Court. Ogungbade emphasized that there is no ongoing lawsuit involving the state aimed at contesting the EFCC’s constitutionality. He asserted that such assertions are misleading and that the state has already issued clarifications to dismiss these misrepresentations.
Moreover, Ogungbade articulated that while Ogun State respects the rights of other states to seek judicial opinions on this matter, it formally avows that it has not engaged in any legal action regarding the EFCC. The Attorney-General pointed out that despite the media’s insistence, the documents related to their case are public records, which should be clear indicators that Ogun State is not involved in opposing the EFCC. He articulated a hope that the media would rectify its misconceptions based on the state’s previous statements and ensure accurate reporting moving forward.
Earlier, the Ogun State government further reinforced this stance through a statement from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade. This statement elucidated that the legitimacy of both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission had been previously adjudicated by the Supreme Court, deeming the matter settled henceforth. Ogun State’s officials conveyed that they perceive no factual impetus or relevant developments that would necessitate reopening discussions regarding the EFCC’s constitutionality.
Clarifying the specific legal actions Ogun State has taken, Ogungbade stated that the case (SC/CV/912/2024) that Ogun State has filed in court does not challenge the EFCC’s constitutionality. Instead, the lawsuit is directed towards invalidating the guidelines issued by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in January 2023. According to Ogun State officials, these guidelines interfered with the state’s economic governance and the interests of local governments, which prompted the focused legal action rather than an overarching challenge to the EFCC itself.
In a broader context, it is worth noting that several states have exhibited uncertainty surrounding their positions concerning the EFCC in recent times. Reports indicate that as many as five states have sought to withdraw from a Supreme Court case originally filed by Kogi State that questioned the EFCC’s existence. Furthermore, the reaction from other states, such as the decision by Benue State’s Governor to suspend its Attorney-General for participating in the legal challenge without proper authority, has showcased the complexities states face in navigating their autonomy vis-a-vis federal institutions.
In summary, the Ogun State government, through various official statements, has explored the importance of clarity in the ongoing discussions related to the EFCC. Their firm position against the incorrect portrayal of Ogun State’s involvement in litigation against the EFCC underscores a desire to maintain legal integrity and uphold the proper functioning of both federal and state law enforcement agencies. As Ogungbade reiterated, Ogun State is fully committed to its governance duties without undermining federal efforts, while also ensuring that its own economic interests are not compromised by external directives that it finds intrusive.
