Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has no constitutional right to investigate the finances of the Ekiti State Government.

He handed down the ruling in a two-hour judgement in a suit filed by the state Attorney General seeking to determine whether or not the EFCC can invite or arrest state government officials over management of state funds.

The EFCC had last year October arrested and detained some officials of the Ekiti State government over issues bordering on state finances.

The judge held that anti-graft agencies would be usurping the power of the state legislature if it takes over such investigative duties citing sections 125,128 and 129 of the 1999 constitution as amended.

According to the judgement, lawmaking, oversight and investigate functions are vested in state Houses of Assembly while the EFCC can only investigate persons, corporate entities and organisations.

Justice Taiwo emphasised the need for corruption to be fought headlong in Nigeria but underlined the supremacy of the constitution when fighting graft.

Counsel to the state government Mike Ozekhome hailed the judgement as healthy for the constitution of the country.

Counsel to the EFCC was, however, absent at the court sitting. (Channels TV)

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