The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a case filed by 16 states challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and two other agencies. The date for the final ruling will be communicated to the parties involved.

At Tuesday’s resumed hearing, the states of Imo, Bauchi, and Osun joined the suit as co-plaintiffs, while Anambra, Ebonyi, and Adamawa announced their decision to withdraw their respective suits, which were subsequently struck out by the court.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who represented the defendant, requested the court’s indulgence to accept a legal process filed earlier that morning. Justice Uwani Abba-Aji granted the request, allowing the defendant to rely on the newly filed reply on points of law.

The call to scrap the EFCC has sparked widespread debate, with critics claiming that the agency’s operations overstep constitutional bounds. However, the EFCC has argued that the governors’ push for the agency’s disbandment is a direct result of its relentless anti-corruption efforts, which have become a significant challenge for some political figures.

The EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, stated during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief that the agency’s dissolution would be catastrophic for Nigeria. He suggested that the governors advocating for the EFCC’s removal are “feeling the heat” of its work.

“Nigerians should see through this shenanigan and oppose it because I don’t see how this country can survive without the EFCC given the depth of corruption we face. Nigeria cannot do without the EFCC,” Uwujaren said.