Court Rules EFCC Handbook Cannot Override Civil Service Regulations

A Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has ordered the reinstatement of former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission employee Abraham Akoji Abutu, bringing an end to a prolonged legal dispute over his dismissal.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel led by Okon Abang, the court held that the employment handbook relied upon by the EFCC in dismissing Abutu was not sufficient legal authority for the termination of a senior civil servant.

The appellate court ruled that matters relating to the appointment and dismissal of senior civil servants ultimately fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

The judgment effectively overturns the dismissal and directs that the former employee be reinstated.

Legal observers note that the ruling marks the conclusion of the litigation, as labour-related matters generally terminate at the Court of Appeal level under Nigeria’s judicial framework.

Watch this report for details of the judgment and its implications for public service employment and disciplinary procedures.