Court summons EFCC over freezing of Benue’s account

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to appear before it over the freezing of the Benue Government account.

The vacation judge, Justice Babatunde Quadri, gave the order

after listening to submissions by counsel to Benue Government,

Mr Emeka Etiaba (SAN).

Other defendants in the suit are the Speaker, Benue House of

Assembly, the Clerk, Benue House of Assembly, Benue House

of Assembly, and the Auditor General, Benue State.

The court further directed the state government to serve all the

relevant processes in the suit on the EFFC and other

respondents before the next adjourned date.

Etiaba said the suit was filed in Makurdi, but he secured leave

of court for the matter to be heard by a vacation court due to

its urgent nature and since there was no vacation court in

Makurdi.

Etiaba prayed the court to issue a preservative order restraining

the EFCC from investigating the accounts of the state under

any guise.

This, he said was particularly without due authorisation of the

Benue House of Assembly in line with Sections 128 and 129 of

the Constitution.

The plaintiff also wants the court to determine among others:

“Whether by virtue of Sections 6, 7 and 38(1) of the EFCC Act

2004 or any other law, the EFCC or any other body has the

power to investigate or inquire into the accounts of Benue

Government.

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” This is having regards to the clear provisions of Sections 1

( 1) and (3), 125(2), (4) and (6), 128 and 129 of the 1999

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“Upon favourable determination of the questions, the plaintiff is

seeking a declaration that by the provisions of Sections 6, 7

and 38(1) of the EFCC Act and any other law, the EFCC or any

other body does not have the power to inquire into the

accounts of Benue Government.

“A declaration that in the absence of any resolution duly passed

by the Benue House of Assembly pursuant to Sections 128 and

129 of the Constitution authorising the EFCC or any other body

to investigate the accounts of Benue Government, the EFCC or

any other body cannot commence or continue investigations

with respect thereof.’’

The plaintiff also wants an order of perpetual injunction

restraining the defendants from surrendering or sharing their

powers of control over public funds of Benue as provided under

Sections 128 and 129 of the Constitution to any other body,

authority or person.

The matter was adjourned until Aug. 14 for hearing.