President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Ola Olukoyede for demonstrating efficiency and independence in the fight against corruption.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th EFCC–National Judicial Institute (NJI) Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges on Monday, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said his administration had prioritised strengthening anti-graft institutions with the autonomy and resources required to deliver results.
He disclosed that the EFCC had secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets worth more than N500 billion in the first two years of his administration.
According to him, proceeds from these recoveries are being redirected into key social investment schemes such as the Students’ Loan and Consumer Credit programmes.
“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by strengthening anti-corruption agencies and giving them the independence to execute their statutory mandates,” Tinubu said.
The President stressed the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring the sustainability of anti-corruption efforts and urged judges to deliver fair and timely judgments in corruption-related cases.
“A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right and ensuring that those who deviate from the norm are held accountable, a robust judicial system remains central to the success of our anti-corruption fight.”
Tinubu also warned that corruption continues to threaten national development, calling for stronger collaboration between the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies to restore public trust in justice delivery.
“Courts and judges are strong pillars of the anti-corruption process, unless citizens believe that those who pillage our resources will be brought to justice through a fair process, doubts over our commitment to fighting corruption will persist.” he said
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, in his remarks, acknowledged the judiciary’s vital role in promoting accountability but lamented the slow pace of high-profile corruption cases in Nigerian courts.
“The milestones we have recorded are often overshadowed by public concern over the pace of high-profile cases. Some cases filed 15 or 20 years ago remain unresolved due to procedural delays and frivolous adjournments,” he said.
He decried what he called the weaponisation of procedures by defendants who exploit legal loopholes to stall trials, warning that such delays weaken public confidence in the justice system.
“When trials drag endlessly, witnesses lose interest, memories fade, and public trust erodes. In the end, corruption becomes the only winner,” Olukoyede said.
He further expressed concern over conflicting court rulings and ex parte orders that undermine the EFCC’s powers to investigate financial crimes.
“The Commission is disturbed by cases where state high courts attempt to restrict our authority in money laundering matters, even when such cases fall clearly outside their jurisdiction,” he noted.
Olukoyede urged judges to uphold national interest and ensure their decisions do not impede anti-corruption efforts, adding that partnership between the bench and law enforcement remains vital to achieving justice.
