Court Rules EFCC Handbook Invalid for Civil Service Dismissals

The Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered a unanimous judgment on a case involving Abraham Akoji Abutu, a former employee of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The three-member panel, led by Justice Okon Abang, ruled that the EFCC's employee handbook, which was relied upon for Abutu's dismissal, lacked sufficient legal authority to terminate a senior civil servant.

The court emphasized that matters relating to the appointment and dismissal of senior civil servants fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal Civil Service Commission. Consequently, the court's ruling overturned Abutu's dismissal and directed his reinstatement, marking a significant conclusion to a prolonged legal dispute.

This judgment has implications for public service employment and disciplinary procedures within Nigeria's judicial framework.