ICPC Boss Urges Judiciary to Prioritize Speed, Consistency in Corruption Cases

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called for greater speed and consistency in how corruption cases are adjudicated across Nigeria’s judicial system. 

Dr. Aliyu made the appeal on Monday during the opening ceremony of a two-day capacity-building workshop for judicial officers, held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja.

The ICPC Chairman underscored the judiciary's vital role in ensuring that "corruption does not pay and that those found guilty do not benefit from the proceeds of crime." He emphasized that strengthening the capacity of judicial officers is critical to realizing the national vision of a corruption-free society.

Dr. Aliyu explained that capacity building for the judiciary is now more essential than ever, as corruption cases have become increasingly complex due to rapid technological advancement and evolving challenges.

"The effective administration of justice in corruption cases requires both vigorous law enforcement and scrupulous judicial oversight," he noted, linking the initiative to the ICPC’s CARE for Impact policy, which focuses on corruption prevention alongside strong enforcement.

He highlighted tangible results from this strategic approach, including blocking over ₦20 billion from reaching ghost workers and recovering more than ₦2.5 billion from local government remittances across six states.

In his lecture titled, “Fair Trials: Balancing the Statutory Powers of Law Enforcement with Judicial Powers in Adjudicating Corruption Cases,” the ICPC Chairman stressed that securing convictions is not the only measure of justice.

“Justice in corruption cases lies in upholding fairness, integrity, and strict adherence to the rule of law,” he asserted.

Dr. Aliyu concluded by emphasizing that while the ICPC and the judiciary have distinct constitutional functions, they share a joint responsibility under Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.

The workshop, organized in partnership with the NJI, is part of an ongoing effort to enhance collaboration between the ICPC and the judiciary for a more efficient and accountable justice system.