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ICPC Chairman Advocates Timelines for Corruption Trials in Nigeria

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has urged Nigeria to introduce constitutional provisions that would set firm deadlines for the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases, particularly those involving high-profile individuals.

Aliyu made this known during a televised interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, where he expressed deep concern over the prolonged nature of corruption trials in the country.

He observed that many cases involving politically exposed persons and top government officials often remain unresolved for years, thereby weakening public confidence in the justice system and undermining the fight against corruption.

According to him, the absence of statutory timelines allows endless adjournments, technical delays, and manipulation of court processes, creating a system where justice is repeatedly deferred.

“We cannot continue like this. If we want to genuinely tackle corruption, there must be deadlines to conclude investigations and prosecute cases. Corruption trials should not be allowed to drag on indefinitely,” he emphasized.
The ICPC chairman explained that introducing timelines would compel investigators, prosecutors, and judges to handle corruption-related matters more effectively, ensuring that evidence remains fresh and witnesses available to testify.

He, however, clarified that the proposal must strike a balance between speed and fairness, so as not to deny accused persons their constitutional right to a fair trial.

Aliyu also highlighted the need for broader reforms to complement such deadlines. He called for stronger case management systems, better funding for anti-graft agencies, effective witness protection programs, and the introduction of an unexplained wealth law that would require public officials to justify assets that far exceed their legitimate income.

Observers note that his call reflects longstanding concerns within Nigeria’s governance and judicial systems. Over the years, several high-profile corruption cases involving former governors, ministers, and business elites have dragged on for a decade or more, with many collapsing due to insufficient evidence, deliberate delay tactics, or lack of political will.

This trend, civil society groups argue, has emboldened corrupt practices in public institutions and diminished trust in the rule of law.

While many anti-corruption advocates welcomed Aliyu’s proposal as a potential game-changer, some legal experts have voiced caution.

They warn that rigid deadlines could backfire if poorly implemented, possibly resulting in hasty investigations, weak prosecutions, or dismissals on technical grounds.

Instead, they suggest that statutory timelines should be complemented with stronger oversight, judicial accountability, and enhanced capacity for law enforcement agencies.

The chairman’s remarks come at a critical moment, as the National Assembly continues ongoing constitutional review efforts. If adopted, the proposal could pave the way for Nigeria to embed specific provisions mandating expedited corruption trials into its legal framework — a reform that many believe could help restore faith in the country’s anti-graft institutions.

For now, stakeholders are watching closely to see if lawmakers, the judiciary, and the executive will rally behind the ICPC chairman’s call and move towards enacting a system that ensures corruption cases are no longer stalled indefinitely.

khadijat opeyemi

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