The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called for faster and more consistent adjudication of corruption cases across Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop for judicial officers at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja, on Monday, Dr. Aliyu stressed that the judiciary plays a vital role in ensuring that corruption does not pay and that offenders are denied the proceeds of their crimes.
He said strengthening the capacity of judicial officers is crucial to achieving a corruption-free Nigeria, adding that effective justice delivery requires both “vigorous law enforcement and scrupulous judicial oversight.”
The ICPC Chairman explained that the growing complexity of corruption cases, driven by technological advances and emerging societal issues, makes continuous capacity building for judges even more important.
Dr. Aliyu linked the initiative to his CARE for Impact policy, which focuses on corruption prevention while sustaining enforcement efforts. He noted that the approach has produced tangible results, such as blocking over ₦20 billion meant for ghost workers and recovering ₦2.5 billion from local government remittances in six states.
Delivering a lecture titled “Fair Trials: Balancing the Statutory Powers of Law Enforcement with Judicial Powers in Adjudicating Corruption Cases,” Dr. Aliyu emphasized that justice in corruption cases should uphold fairness, integrity, and strict adherence to the rule of law—not merely convictions.
He reaffirmed the shared constitutional duty of the ICPC and the judiciary under Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution to eliminate corruption and abuse of power, noting that “the synergy between law enforcement and the courts remains the cornerstone of a justice system where no one is above the law.”
The workshop, organized in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute, aims to deepen cooperation between the ICPC and the judiciary in promoting integrity, accountability, and efficiency within the justice system.
