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The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ogun State, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), has addressed ongoing media reports suggesting that Ogun State is contesting the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Supreme Court.
In a statement released on Monday, Ogungbade expressed concern over the persistent portrayal of Ogun as being involved in a constitutional challenge against the EFCC.
He stated, “Ogun State has not filed any suit against the EFCC, nor are we questioning its constitutionality. We previously clarified this stance last week, making it clear that we are not part of any lawsuit challenging the EFCC’s legality, nor have we joined other states in such actions.”
Ogungbade further emphasized respect for states that have chosen to pursue this issue legally, recognizing their right to seek judicial review in a democratic system. However, he urged the media to take note of Ogun’s clarification and refrain from erroneously including the state in reports about the case.
Earlier, a statement from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, underscored that Ogun views the question of the EFCC’s constitutionality as settled by the Supreme Court and sees no basis to reopen the issue. Ogun State affirmed its support for federal law enforcement and clarified it has no intent to undermine federal authority in this area.
Providing additional context, Ogungbade explained the specific matter Ogun State has filed (SC/CV/912/2024) is focused on invalidating the NFIU Guidelines and Advisory issued in January 2023, which, according to the state, negatively impact Ogun’s economic and governance interests.
“We are not challenging the EFCC’s constitutionality in this case,” Ogungbade reiterated.
Meanwhile, five other states have recently moved to withdraw from the Kogi State-led suit against the EFCC’s constitutional standing. Additionally, Benue State’s Governor, Revd Fr. Hyacinth Alia, recently suspended his Attorney General for allegedly joining the case without prior consent.
The Supreme Court has reserved judgment following an October 22, 2024, hearing.
