By Mary Nwabuma

Jigawa State has withdrawn from the high-profile Supreme Court case initiated by Kogi State against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The case, marked SC/CV/178/2023, challenges the constitutionality of the EFCC’s authority to investigate state funds.

At a press briefing, Jigawa’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bello Fanini, confirmed the state’s withdrawal.

He said the move was in the best interest of Jigawa’s legal and administrative priorities.

Fanini explained that while Jigawa originally joined as a co-plaintiff in support of the case, the state’s leadership has decided to focus on other pressing legal matters.

The Attorney-General also noted that Jigawa’s withdrawal does not undermine the legitimacy of the claims raised by other states involved in the suit.

The case has drawn national attention, with the plaintiffs asserting that the EFCC’s powers should not extend to states unless provisions in the Constitution are followed, including the approval of state Houses of Assembly. Legal analysts are keenly watching how the Supreme Court will rule on this constitutional question.