State police bill faces legal battle

A civil society group and three individuals have filed a lawsuit in Nigeria's Federal High Court to challenge the constitutionality of the State Police Bill. The plaintiffs argue that the House of Representatives did not follow proper procedure when passing the bill, which seeks to establish State Police in Nigeria. They claim the bill violates Section 9(1), 9(2) and 56(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which require a two-thirds majority vote through individual member votes rather than a voice vote.

The plaintiffs also question whether the bill can be approved without a clause-by-clause reading of its provisions. They seek a declaration that the bill is unconstitutional and null and void, and that the House of Representatives should follow the constitutional process for amending the Constitution.