…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. In a significant development, the Federal High Court in Gusau, Zamfara State, has issued a restraining order against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from conducting investigations into the accounts of Zamfara State.
The court ruled that the anti-graft agency lacks the authority to summon current and former officials of the Zamfara State government to account for the utilization of state funds through letters, phone calls, or any other means of communication.
Judgment in the Suit Filed by Zamfara State Government
Justice Aminu Bappa Aliyu delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the Zamfara State government and the Attorney General of Zamfara State against the EFCC and the Attorney General of the Federation.
The court emphasized that the power to audit the state’s public accounts resides solely with the Auditor General of Zamfara State and cannot be exercised by the EFCC or any other entity.
Nullification of EFCC’s Letter of Invitation
Furthermore, the court invalidated the EFCC’s letter of invitation dated September 28, 2021, and any subsequent correspondence, sent to current and former officials of the Zamfara State government.
The court declared the letter as “ultra vires the powers of the 1st Defendant,” rendering it null and void.
The judgment asserted that the EFCC lacks the authority to issue such invitations, and any attempts to do so hold no legal effect.
Legal Proceedings and Orders of the Court
The court’s decision was reached after considering the arguments put forth by the plaintiff’s counsel, Abdulfathu Shehu, and the defense counsel, Adebisi Adeniyi and P. A. Attah.
The case was filed as a Writ of Summons suit on November 16, 2021, and bears the mark FHC/GS/CS/30/2021.
EFCC’s Accusations Against Former Zamfara State Governor
It is worth noting that the EFCC had previously leveled accusations of corrupt practices against the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, during his tenure.
The recent court judgment, however, restrains the EFCC from investigating the state’s accounts and summoning officials to explain the utilization of state funds.