The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has reassured Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), of the Judiciary’s continuous support in the battle against corruption.
Speaking during a two-day capacity building workshop for Justices and Judges, organized by the EFCC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted the critical role the Judiciary plays in fighting corruption. She emphasized the need for a strong synergy between the Judiciary and anti-graft agencies to ensure the swift dispensation of justice.
The CJN called on the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies to conduct thorough investigations to prevent delays in the judicial process. She stressed that efficient investigations are crucial to preventing unnecessary legal obstacles in court.
In his remarks, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, underscored the importance of establishing a centralized data system that can be shared among anti-graft agencies. He also advocated for continuous training for investigative officers to enhance their capabilities.
EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede expressed concerns over court orders that have prevented the EFCC from conducting investigations in ten states. Although he did not specify the states, Olukoyede lamented the recurring legal hurdles faced by the EFCC, including frequent adjournments of high-profile cases and excessive reliance on technicalities, which impede the commission’s efforts.
