The Federal High Court has designated 48 justices across its various divisions to handle cases brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The decision, outlined in a statement dated February 13, 2025, and signed by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John T. Tsoho, is aimed at expediting the prosecution of financial crimes, money laundering, and corruption cases in Nigeria.
“The following judges are hereby designated to handle Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cases in their respective divisions,” the statement read.
In Abuja, the assigned justices include I. E. Ekwo, J. O. Abdulmalik, J. K. Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, M. S. Liman, and H. J. Yilwa. Lagos will have Justices C. J. Aneke, Y. S. Bogoro, D. E. Osiagor, and O. A. Oluseyi overseeing EFCC matters.
Port Harcourt’s designated judges are P. M. Ayua and A. T. Mohammed, while Calabar has Justice I. L. Ojukwu. In Asaba, Justices F. A. Olubanjo and O. A. Agbaje will preside over cases, with Justice H. A. Nganjiwa handling matters in Warri. Yenagoa will have Justice N. Ayo-Emmanuel, while Uyo’s designated judge is C. S. Onah.
In Kano, Justice S. M. Shuaibu is assigned, while Bauchi has Justice Aminu Garba. Jos will see Justices D. V. Agishi and S. I. Tanko presiding over cases. Lafia will have Justices M. O. Olajuwon and A. Onoja-Alapa, while Makurdi has Justices M. S. Abubakar and E. R. Joshua.
Justice M. O. Awogboro will oversee EFCC cases in Ilorin, while Yola’s designated judge is B. K. Usman. In Maiduguri, Justice J. K. Dagat is assigned, with F. M. Aminu handling cases in Damaturu. Kaduna has Justice R. M. Aikawa, while Katsina’s designated judges are A. B. Aliyu and H. Dadan-Garba. Sokoto will have Justice A. G. Mahmud overseeing financial crime trials.
In the South-East, Justices S. B. Onu and K. O. Ogundare will handle EFCC cases in Umuahia, while Justice E. N. Anyadike is assigned to Awka. Abakaliki will have Justice H. I. O. Oshomah, with Justices M. G. Umar and F. O. G. Ogunbanjo overseeing cases in Enugu. Owerri’s designated judges are I. N. Oweibo and C. J. Wigwe-Oreh.
Justice C. A. Obiozor will handle EFCC matters in Benin, B. O. Kuewunmi in Ado-Ekiti, and A. J. Adeyemi in Abeokuta. Akure’s designated judge is T. B. Adegoke, while Osogbo has A. A. Demi-Ajayi. In Ibadan, Justice U. N. Agomoh will oversee EFCC trials.
The decision follows growing concerns over delayed trials, prolonged adjournments, and allegations of political interference in corruption cases involving public officials. Despite the EFCC securing some convictions, critics argue that judicial loopholes and legal delays have allowed many high-profile individuals, including former governors and top government officials, to evade justice.
The assignment of judges to these cases is expected to address longstanding concerns about the slow pace of corruption trials and ensure the timely prosecution of financial crime cases across the country.
