Connect with us

News

Lawyer Asks Court To Void EFCC, NSCDC Acts

Published

on

A lawyer, Joshua Ijaodola, has filed suits at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to nullify the Acts establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, citing their unconstitutionality.

Ijaodola, in two fresh suits dated June 23 and filed on June 24, argued that the Acts violated Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in 2018 and 2023, respectively.

Advertisement

In the first suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1231/2025, the lawyer sued the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, and the EFCC as the first to fourth defendants.

In the second suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1232/2025, the National Assembly, AGF, NPF, and NSCDC were named as the first to fourth defendants, respectively.

READ ALSO:UK GDP Records Fastest Growth In Q1 2025

Advertisement

In an affidavit of non-multiplication of actions submitted in support of the suits, Ijaodola affirmed that the matter was not pending before any other court.

In the case against the EFCC, the lawyer sought an order declaring the Act establishing the agency “unconstitutional and in violation of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) in 2023.”

He posed a sole legal question for determination, “Whether or not the Act establishing the 4th defendant (EFCC) is unconstitutional and in violation of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) in 2023.”

Advertisement

The same relief was sought in the suit against the NSCDC.

READ ALSO:$1bn Fraud: Court Refuses Detained CBEX Operators Bail

In his affidavit supporting the EFCC suit, Ijaodola argued that the National Assembly created the EFCC as “an economic police” under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004.

Advertisement

He maintained that the third defendant is the constitutionally empowered body responsible for detecting, preventing, apprehending, and prosecuting crimes under Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 4 of the Police Act, 2022.

He contended that the first defendant (National Assembly), through Section 6 of the EFCC Act, delegated part of the police’s statutory duties to the fourth defendant.

He further alleged that Section 8(5) of the EFCC Act effectively grants police powers to the EFCC, including the authority to investigate, arrest, detain, and prosecute economic offenders, which contravenes Section 214 of the Constitution.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Musk Renews Attack On Trump, Says ‘Big, Beautiful Bill Utterly Insane’

In the case against the NSCDC, Ijaodola argued that the National Assembly established the NSCDC under the NSCDC (Amendment) Act, 2007, granting it police powers that also contravened Section 214 of the Constitution.

He submitted that both the EFCC and the NSCDC have been usurping the constitutional powers of the police under the guise of their enabling Acts.

Advertisement

The lawyer further stated that the Nigerian government, represented by the AGF (second defendant), had been spending billions of naira on maintaining the EFCC and NSCDC, despite their unconstitutional establishment.

He urged the court to grant his applications in the interest of justice and the supremacy of the Constitution.

“The declaration is made conscientiously, believing it to be true, under the provisions of the Oaths Act,” he said.

Advertisement

The suits are yet to be assigned to a judge for hearing.

Advertisement

News

PHOTOS: Peace Restored In Delta Community As Council Boss, Takeme, Wades In

Published

on

Tuomo, a riverine community in Delta State’s Burutu Local Government Area, is experiencing renewed calm following decisive intervention by local authorities to settle a heated leadership crisis.

On Monday, Burutu LGA Chairman, Dr. Julius Takeme, led a peace delegation to the area, spearheading reconciliation discussions and reinforcing the government’s commitment to long-term stability.

Advertisement

Dr. Takeme highlighted his administration’s resolve to implement Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s broader peace and security strategy for Burutu LGA.

Dr. Julius Takeme, Chairman, Burutu LG during the meeting on Monday, 30 June, 2025

Addressing the main source of discord—the controversial selection process for a new Amananawei (traditional ruler)—he emphasized the need for transparent and lawful resolution to avoid further division within the community.

READ ALSO: Clark’s Burial: Preparation In Top Gear As Burutu LG Boss Inspects Venue

“The council has zero tolerance for lawlessness or abuse of power,” Dr. Takeme declared, warning against intimidation, violence, or any form of extrajudicial detention.

Advertisement

A cross section of community people during the peace/reconciliation meeting on Monday, 30 June,2025.

In direct remarks to Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi and the newly confirmed Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, he stressed the responsibility of leadership to uphold legality and promote inclusiveness.

“Leadership should be anchored on the rule of law, not on threats or coercion,” he told them, urging both leaders to unite the community and fulfill their electoral commitments. He further warned against any mishandling of the reconciliation process, assuring residents that the administration remained fully invested in protecting lives and fostering peace.

The chairman was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Nigeria Police Area Commander for Burutu, ACP Redengha Timpa, whose on-the-ground presence was vital in maintaining order and preventing renewed conflict. Senior officials from the local government also joined the mission, demonstrating a coordinated approach to crisis management.

A cross section of community women during the peace/reconciliation meeting on Monday, 30 June,2025.

READ ALSO: Delta: Burutu LG Boss, Takeme, Inaugurates Peace, Advocacy Committee

During his address, Dr. Takeme commended the police for their professionalism and praised ACP Timpa’s continuous engagement as a key factor in defusing tensions and restoring a sense of security among residents.

Advertisement

In response, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the chairman’s consistent intervention and pledging to work tirelessly for peace and unity. Community Chairman Mr. Warebi promised a leadership style grounded in inclusiveness and dialogue, describing this period as an opportunity to rebuild community trust and heal divisions.

Chief Ebiyemi further assured the council of his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders in promoting a more harmonious and united Tuomo.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price

Published

on

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, from N880 to N840 per litre.

Spokesman for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, confirmed the price adjustment to The PUNCH on Monday night, saying the new rate took effect on June 30.

Advertisement

PMS price has been reduced from N880 to N840 per litre effective 30th June,” Chiejina said.

 

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Again, Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price

Advertisement

Recall that the Dangote refinery hiked the price of petrol to N880 as tension escalated during the 12-day crisis between Israel and Iran, raising the price of crude oil to almost $80 per barrel.

The PUNCH earlier reported that marketers anticipated that there would be a new price regime from Monday.

Dangote’s partners like MRS, Heyden and AP are expected to adjust their pump prices soon.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

News

Ondo Confirms Petitions Seeking Coroner’s Inquest Into Akeredolu’s Death

Published

on

Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, on Monday confirmed receipt of petitions demanding a formal coroner’s inquest into the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

In a statement shared with The PUNCH, Ajulo declared that the public has every right under the Coroners Law of Ondo State to demand clarity in cases where foul play is suspected or questions linger.

Advertisement

It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns.

“The Attorney General is duty-bound to act in accordance with the law once such concerns are raised by members of the public,” he stated.

READ ALSO:

Advertisement

According to Ajulo, the Ministry of Justice has received multiple petitions, including from professional bodies and residents of the late governor’s hometown, urging his office to investigate what they described as troubling inconsistencies surrounding Akeredolu’s death.

Ajulo disclosed, “We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state.

“Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail.”

Advertisement

He noted that while emotions are running high, no individual will be presumed guilty, and neither will the process be derailed by sentiment or political interference.

READ ALSO:Memorial Lecture: Akeredolu’s Widow Knocks Aiyedatiwa, Says ‘It’s Entry Point To Chop Money’

If invitations or arrests need to be made, the process will not deviate from doing the needful,” he declared.

Advertisement

Ajulo clarified that decisions such as inspecting the governor’s remains or summoning individuals fall squarely under the discretion of the Coroner Judge.

The law will be allowed to take its course,” he emphasized.

Calling for calm and restraint, the Attorney General urged all stakeholders to approach the matter with a “deep sense of responsibility” to the legacy of the late governor and the peace of the state.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Memorial Lecture: Akeredolu’s Widow Knocks Aiyedatiwa, Says ‘It’s Entry Point To Chop Money’

We must approach this issue with civility, dignity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the legacy of the late Governor and the peace of the state,” he said.

Reaffirming the stance of the state’s leadership under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ajulo wrote, “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection. “Where the law provides a remedy, the government of Governor Aiyedatiwa will not be found wanting.”

Advertisement

Until his death, Akeredolu was a two-term Governor of Ondo State and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Reports from the state government stated that he died on December 27, 2023, at 67, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending