The chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has called for urgent judicial reforms, constitutional amendments, and stronger collaboration with the judiciary to improve Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
Aliyu, who spoke during a visit to the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, said corruption cases must be resolved with speed and consistency if Nigerians are to regain confidence in the justice system.
“There is a pressing need to amend the Constitution to impose a time limit on the resolution of corruption cases, just as is done with election petitions,” he said.
He noted that conflicting judgments from lower courts against appellate rulings were undermining public trust in the judiciary.
The ICPC boss also urged the reactivation of the NJI’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), which has been dormant since 2023. According to him, ACTUs are essential compliance structures that help prevent corruption within institutions.
Aliyu stressed that civil forfeiture and speedy criminal trials were necessary for Nigerians to “see clearly that corruption does not pay.”
While congratulating Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo on his appointment as NJI Administrator, the ICPC chairman pledged the commission’s readiness to work with the institute on capacity building, asset recovery, and effective case management.
In his remarks, Adejumo assured of the institute’s support in the anti-graft fight, warning that neglecting the judiciary amounted to weakening the nation’s well-being.
“Delays in the dispensation of justice are one of the reasons public perception of the judiciary appears negative,” he said. “If courts fail, the economy and governance as a whole will suffer.”
He added that training judges was crucial to strengthening integrity and resilience against corruption. He disclosed that the NJI was already partnering with ICPC to organise a workshop that would expose judges to new tactics used to compromise the courts.
Adejumo also stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of judicial officers, saying this would help reduce the risks and temptations of corruption.
The visit, according to a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education at ICPC, reflects the commission’s drive to strengthen ties with the judiciary in promoting accountability and the rule of law.