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The Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has upheld the powers of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and that of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute officials of the Delta State Government who allegedly engage in corrupt acts.

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Justice Folasade Olubanjo held that the sister organisations whose core mandates are basically the same do not in any way violate the principle of federalism and separation of powers embodied in the Constitution.

The court gave the judgment in the suit filed by the Attorney General of Delta State challenging the powers of the two anti-corruption agencies to investigate the state government’s finances and invite Delta State officials for interviews in the course of investigations.

The State Government had asked the court to among other things declare that by virtue of the provisions of Section 120, 121, 122, 123 & 125 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), no authority or person other than the state government, the state house of assembly, and the auditor-general of the state has the constitutional mandate to exercise power or control over the funds standing to the credit of Delta State in the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other state public funds.

The state also asked the court to make a declaration that the provisions of Section 128 of the Constitution empowers only the state house of assembly to the exclusion of the defendants to conduct or direct investigation into the disbursement of public funds for the purpose of exposing corruption, inefficiency or waste of public funds.

The state also insisted that by virtue of the provisions of Section 125 of the constitution, only the auditor-general of Delta State has the power to receive financial statements and annual accounts from the accountant general of the state.

In her judgment, Justice Olubanjo disagreed with the plaintiff and held that Nigeria practices cooperative federalism; and as such the fight against corruption is a function of both the states and the Federal Government.

The judge also noted that the issues before the court had been settled in a plethora of appellate decisions, among which is the Supreme Court judgment in AG Ondo State vs AG Federation & 36 others.

 

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EVENTS

151 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS FACE FORCE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE OVER DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

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9 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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‎PRESS RELEASE
‎151 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS FACE FORCE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE OVER DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
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‎In a decisive step towards reinforcing internal accountability and professional standards, one hundred and fifty-one (151) senior police officers are currently facing the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) over various pending disciplinary matters. The exercise commenced today Monday, 14th July till Friday, 25th July 2025, at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
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‎The Force Disciplinary Committee is an essential internal structure responsible for reviewing and adjudicating cases of alleged breaches of professional conduct, misconduct, and ethical violations involving senior officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and above. The affected officers, drawn from various commands and formations across the country, are expected to undergo a thorough and transparent review process in line with extant police regulations and disciplinary procedures for final recommendation to the Police Service Commission.
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‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to discipline and ethical conduct within the Force. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force will not condone any form of indiscipline or misconduct.
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‎The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to promoting integrity, professionalism, and public trust. The disciplinary process reflects the Force’s keenness to maintaining an accountable and service-driven institution, where standards are upheld and the rule of law is respected from within.
‎
‎ACP
‎FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
‎FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
‎ABUJA.
‎
‎16TH JULY, 2025.

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Customs FOU ‘A’ Vows Tougher Action Against Illicit Financial Flows …Hands Over ₦31m Seized Foreign Currency to EFCC

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July 18, 2025

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illicit financial flows, following the seizure of undeclared foreign currency valued at ₦30.86 million near the Seme border.

The seized funds were formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.

Speaking during the handover, the Unit head, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, explained that the interception occurred on Sunday, 13 July 2025, when officers on routine patrol along the Babapupa bush path flagged down a suspicious Nissan Almera.

According to him, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the nearby bush, evading arrest. “Upon inspection, officers discovered undeclared foreign currency, $20,000 in U.S. dollars and 110,000 in West African CFA francs carefully stashed in the vehicle.”

“The seized currency contravenes Section 3 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which mandates the declaration of any amount exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent at Nigeria’s borders”, he noted.

Comptroller Shuaibu highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling transnational crimes while reiterating the Unit’s commitment to protecting the Nigerian economy from economic sabotage. “We will remain vigilant and ensure our borders are not used as conduits for criminal activities.”

After receiving the seized currency, the Head of Investigation, Lagos Directorate of the EFCC, Shehu Muhammed-Allah, commended the Service for its professionalism and timely intervention.

“This handover reinforces the synergy between both agencies. It is a strong message to criminals that the law is watching, and there will be consequences”, he warned.

He affirmed that the EFCC will investigate to trace the ownership of the abandoned vehicle and will pursue legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

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Why I worked against Atiku in 2023 – Ortom

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18 hours ago

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July 18, 2025

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A former governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, has explained why he worked against the candidature of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in 2023.

Ortom said he worked against Atiku at the risk of his senatorial ambition.

He disclosed this on Thursday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.

The former Governor stated that be believed for equity, fairness and justice, the PDP should have allowed presidency to go the south.

He said: “And when members of the PDP overwhelmingly accepted that the presidency should be in the north, we say no, it was wrong, because everyone knows here for equity, fairness and justice, we should allow presidency in the North for eight years, and the south should go for eight years.

“I’ve already made my position known. I don’t want to be a hypocrite. I don’t want to pretend. And I made it very clear that was why I worked against the PDP in 2023 election. And I did say that even if I lose my senatorial election, After some eight years as governor, it doesn’t matter. But let it be known that there are people who believe in justice, equity and fairness.”

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