…Says Law Exclusive to State Houses of Assembly
The Supreme Court of Nigeria, has nullified the National Lottery Act 2005, enacted by the National Assembly.
The Apex apex court, held on Friday that the National Assembly lacked the powers to legislate on issues relating to lottery and games of chance.
The Act was voided while delivering judgement in a suit filed in 2008 by Lagos and some other states.
The Plaintiffs were in the suit challenging the powers of the federal government to regulate the issue of lottery and games of chance across the country.
In the judgement unanimously delivered by a seven-member panel of Justices, read by Justice Mohammed Idris, held that such powers only reside with the state Houses of Assembly.
The court maintained that the State house possess exclusive jurisdiction over lottery and games of chance.
It further held that Lottery Act 2005, should no longer be enforced in all states, except the Federal Capital Territory, in respect of which the National Assembly is empowered to make laws.
