Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, has raised concerns about constitutional issues regarding law enforcement agencies in Nigeria hindering the government’s anti-corruption efforts as outlined in Section 13 of the Constitution.
In letters addressed to the Senate and House of Representatives on October 14, 2024, Agbakoba expressed his belief that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was unlawfully established, stating that its powers exceeded those granted by the National Assembly.
These letters were separately sent to the Deputy Senate President and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Agbakoba’s remarks coincided with efforts by 16 states to challenge the legitimacy of the EFCC, with a Supreme Court ruling scheduled for October 22 on a suit filed by these states regarding the EFCC’s authority to audit state government accounts.
Agbakoba commended the states for contesting the EFCC’s constitutionality, expressing hope that this would clarify the agency’s legal standing. He urged the Senate to hold a public hearing to address constitutional issues related to law enforcement agencies and anti-corruption measures to align with the government’s anti-corruption agenda.