Benue Governor Suspends Attorney General Over Participation In EFCC Legality Suit

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has suspended the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mynin, for his involvement in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without the governor’s prior knowledge.

The suspension, which was announced on Wednesday, followed Mynin’s decision to join a legal challenge against the EFCC, a move that reportedly took Governor Alia by surprise. The lawsuit, involving 19 states, seeks to question the legality of the anti-corruption agency. The Supreme Court reserved judgment on the matter earlier this week.

While some states, including Adamawa, Anambra, and Ebonyi, withdrew from the case, Mynin, on behalf of Benue, joined without informing the governor. Osun State, in contrast, filed an application to be joined in the suit.

Governor Alia, taken aback by Benue’s involvement, ordered the immediate suspension of Mynin. Kula Tersoo, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, confirmed the development, stating, “It’s true, His Excellency today suspended the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order for joining the suit challenging the legality of EFCC without informing the governor.”

The legal challenge remains ongoing as the apex court prepares to deliver its judgment.