• We are partners in crime fighting, Kekere-Ekun tells EFCC, ICPC, others
• EFCC investigations halted in ten states due to court restraints
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, opened the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges today in Abuja. In his address, Shettima highlighted the pressing challenges undermining the fight against corruption in Nigeria, notably the prevalence of frivolous appeals, intimidation of judges, and an overreliance on technicalities in court rulings.
Shettima expressed concern that these issues significantly impede the swift adjudication of corruption cases, stating, "Until these challenges are curtailed, they will continue to hamper our efforts in delivering justice." He acknowledged that while recent reforms in the justice sector have led to improvements in the prosecution of corruption cases, much work remains to be done.
The Vice President emphasized the importance of the workshop as a platform for judges and justices to unite in the fight against corruption, which he described as Nigeria’s “common enemy.” He underscored the need for judicial collaboration in addressing the systemic issues that hinder effective governance and justice.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also spoke at the workshop, affirming the judiciary’s critical role in combating corruption. She reassured the EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) of the judiciary's continued support. "A strong synergy between the judiciary and anti-graft agencies is essential for effective justice delivery," she stated.
She stated this at a 2-day capacity building workshop organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for Justices and judges in Nigeria aimed at fostering collaboration between the Judiciary and the anti-graft agency towards enhancing the dispensation of justice in Nigeria.
According to her, the Judiciary plays a vital role in the fight against corruption and this requires a strong synergy.
However, the CJN called for efficient investigation by the anti-graft agencies to avoid clogging the wheel of justice in court.
On his part, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin emphasised the need for a centralized data system that can be syndicated among anti-graft agencies.
He also urged that constant training be organised for investigating officers.
While speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unable to carry out investigations in 10 states in Nigeria, as a result of court orders restraining it.
Although Olukoyede did not disclose the states involved, he, however, lamented that the EFCC’s activities have continued to be impeded by court orders restraining it from carrying out its investigation.
According to him, among the plethora of issues bothering the EFCC are the frequent adjournment of high-profile cases by courts, contempt orders and undue reliance on technical grounds.