EFCC, ICPC chairmen decry delays in high-profile corruption cases
…advocate measures for swift trials Chairmen of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) – Ola Olukoyede and Musa
…advocate measures for swift trials
Chairmen of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) - Ola Olukoyede and Musa Aliyu - have expressed concerns over persistent delays in the determination of high-profile corruption cases by courts.
Olukoyede and Aliyu spoke in Abuja while making presentations at the ninth meeting of the Corruption and Financial Crimes Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO), set up by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to, among others, monitor progress in corruption cases.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by NJC's spokesperson, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, Olukoyede, who was before the committee on March 3, raised concerns over what he described as the liberal exercise of judicial discretion in some sensitive cases.
The EFCC boss argued that the continued consideration of frivolous applications by some courts has significantly contributed to prolonged trials.
He warned that such delays undermine efforts aimed at ensuring timely justice in corruption and financial crimes cases.
Olukoyede stressed the need to establish clear benchmarks for acceptable judicial conduct.
He also argued that there should be consequences for misconduct or actions that frustrate the course of justice.
On his part, Aliyu, who was at the committee's meeting on March 4, called for the introduction of a practice direction to guide courts in handling corruption cases across the country.
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Aliyu suggested that corruption trials should be time-bound, like election petitions, to ensure speedy determination.
The ICPC boss cited examples of Kenya and Zambia, where practice directions have been adopted, prescribing specific timelines for the trial of corruption cases.
Aliyu urged COTRIMCO to develop mechanisms that would strengthen standards in the prosecution of criminal cases and promote consistency in applying judicial principles.
According to the statement, Olukoyede and Aliyu acknowledged the progress made in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases across the country.
In his remark, COTRIMCO's Chairman and retired Supreme Court Justice, Justice Suleiman Galadima, noted that the collaboration between the NJC and anti-corruption agencies continues to yield positive results.
Justice Galadima said the partnership between COTRIMCO and the anti-graft agencies has recorded impressive outcomes.
The statement added: "According to him, the EFCC secured 1,417 convictions in the first and second quarters of 2025 alone, while the ICPC initiated 43 new cases and recorded nine convictions during the period under review.
"Although Hon. Justice Galadima noted a decline in the number of cases currently being prosecuted by the ICPC. He explained that the development was due to the Commission’s increasing focus on preventive and proactive strategies aimed at curbing corruption before it escalates into prosecutable offences.
"He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation in the fight against corruption.
"Stakeholders at the meeting also reiterated their commitment to improving efficiency, accountability, and integrity in handling corruption and financial crimes cases across the country."
