The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged to breathe new life into corruption cases that have been abandoned in courts for up to 15 years.
Dr. Musa Aliyu, the Chairman of ICPC, made this announcement during an event marking his one-year anniversary as the head of the agency.
He revealed that the Commission had processed a total of 851 petitions within the last year. Of these, 342 were assigned for investigation, 95 were fully investigated, and 72 cases were filed in court.
“Sixteen convictions have already been secured,” Dr. Aliyu proudly stated, underscoring the agency’s determination to combat corruption.
Dr. Aliyu confirmed that the ICPC is taking measures to streamline its operations to ensure faster and more effective prosecution of cases.
“In this regard, we are streamlining our processes to ensure faster and more effective prosecution of cases, leading to the resuscitation of 10 to 15-year-old cases in courts,” he said.
The ICPC Chairman explained that one of the key strategies in the fight against corruption has been the agency’s focus on public institutions, particularly in educational settings.
“We have advanced the fight against sexual harassment and corruption in educational institutions and public offices, achieving ongoing prosecutions and increased public support,” Dr. Aliyu added.
Under his leadership, the agency has made significant strides in asset recovery, with over ₦52 billion and $966,900.83 successfully recovered in the past year.
The Commission’s efforts also led to the interception and prevention of ₦5.882 billion from being diverted across 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“Our commitment to the rule of law, adaptation to evolving trends, and equipping our workforce with ICT capacity in the fight against corruption have all contributed to these achievements,” Dr. Aliyu noted.
One of the most notable recoveries has been the ₦29.70 billion in cash, which is currently held in ICPC recovery accounts. Furthermore, ₦10.98 billion in Value-Added Tax (VAT) was recovered and remitted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), while ₦10 billion in COVID-19 vaccine funds was returned to the national treasury.
The ICPC has also been active in assessing the integrity of public institutions through its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS). This year, the Commission evaluated 323 MDAs and has established 80 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) across these agencies.
“These initiatives are critical in reinforcing our anti-corruption efforts,” Dr. Aliyu said.
Dr. Aliyu also highlighted the ICPC’s role in tracking public projects. This year, the Commission completed the tracking of 1,500 projects worth ₦610 billion under its CEPTI Phase 7 program.
“The fieldwork for Phase 7 has been completed, and follow-up activities are ongoing. The report is currently being collated,” he stated.
However, Dr. Aliyu pointed out that the report for Phase 6, which was conducted around this time last year, is already prepared and will be made public today.
ICPC’s progress under Dr. Aliyu’s leadership signals a renewed commitment to tackling corruption in Nigeria. His tenure has seen both achievements and challenges, but the agency’s resolve to restore integrity to the public service appears unwavering.
The revival of long-forgotten corruption cases, along with the ongoing efforts to recover stolen assets, promises a more transparent future for Nigeria.
Dr. Aliyu’s call to action for stronger accountability in the Nigerian public sector resonates with many citizens who have long been disillusioned by the slow pace of justice.
“The fight against corruption is far from over, but we will not rest until every stolen penny is recovered and every corrupt individual is brought to justice,” Dr. Aliyu affirmed.
