In a recent development, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has suspended the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mynin. The suspension, announced on Wednesday, stems from Mynin’s involvement in a legal challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without prior consultation with the governor.
This legal action is part of a larger suit involving 19 Nigerian states questioning the constitutionality of the EFCC’s establishment. However, three states—Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi—have recently withdrawn from the suit, seeking to distance themselves from the challenge. Anambra’s Attorney General, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, and Ebonyi’s Attorney General, Ikenna Nwidagu, have both filed motions to withdraw, with court submissions dated October 20 and 21, respectively.
Governor Alia expressed surprise and dissatisfaction upon learning of Benue State’s participation in the lawsuit. The governor’s spokesperson, Kula Tersoo, confirmed the suspension, stating, “It’s true, His Excellency today suspended the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order for joining the suit challenging the legality of EFCC without informing the governor.”
This development closely follows a related case filed by the Kogi State Attorney General, marked SC/CV/178/2023, which positions the Attorney-General of the Federation as the sole defendant. The suit, led by legal expert Prof. Musa Yakubu (SAN), seeks multiple declarations including limiting federal powers over state funds management and challenging the EFCC’s authority in investigating state financial matters.
