The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has called for urgent judicial reforms, enhanced capacity building, and deeper collaboration between the Commission and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
Dr. Aliyu made the call during a courtesy visit to the NJI in Abuja, where he was received by the Administrator of the Institute, Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, and members of the management team.
Highlighting the shared history between both institutions, the ICPC Chairman noted that the first leaders of the Commission, like the NJI, were retired judges, a heritage he described as “a natural alignment of vision and duty between our institutions.”
He highlighted the values of courage, knowledge, and integrity, which, according to him, represented the fundamental foundation of the mutuality between the Commission and the Judiciary.
He emphasized that corruption cases must be resolved with speed and consistency if Nigerians are to have faith 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,” Dr. Aliyu stated.
“We are equally concerned about conflicting trial court judgments that contradict appellate court rulings. This inconsistency undermines public trust in our justice system.”
Dr. Aliyu emphasized the importance of the NJI’s role in implementing key pillars of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, particularly in areas such as asset recovery, case management, and sanctions.
“The corrupt must be deprived of the proceeds of crime through civil forfeiture and speedy criminal trials. Nigerians must see clearly that corruption does not pay,” he stressed.
He also mentioned three thematic areas that he believed required urgent attention to improve service delivery in the judicial system, according to Dr. Aliyu: Constitutional Amendment, Judicial Consistency, and the reconstitution of NJI’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), which has been inactive since 2023, where key to a more robust working relationship between both organisations.
“We urge the Administrator to reconstitute the ACTU and forward the nominees to ICPC. ACTUs are vital compliance structures for preventing corruption within institutions,” he said.
Reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to partner with the judiciary, Dr. Aliyu commended the NJI’s ongoing capacity-building programs, noting that courage, knowledge, and integrity are values shared by both judges and anti-corruption practitioners.
“Capacity building by NJI, in collaboration with agencies like ICPC, is critical for deepening public trust and ensuring justice,” he remarked.
Dr. Aliyu concluded by congratulating Hon. Justice Adejumo on his recent appointment as NJI Administrator, wishing him a successful tenure.
Meanwhile, the Justice Adejumo thanked the Chairman for the well-adjudged visit and emphasized the intention of the institute to support the anti-corruption drive of ICPC in whatever way possible.
Speaking at the event, the Administrator of NJI mentioned that the training of judges remains an integral part of building up their character whilst reinforcing their resilience to temptations of corruption.
He opined that neglecting the judiciary was akin to forgoing the well-being of the nation via a lack of justice. He added that the policy thrust of every administration is often backed by the ability of the Judiciary to uphold the law.
Justice Adejumo said that delays in the dispensation of justice are one of the many reasons why the public perception of the judiciary may appear negative.
He explained that the progress of the judiciary hinges on judges doing the right thing at all times, adding that NJI had created a platform whereby the training of judges had moved from individually created programmes to a communal effort backed and approved by the law.
The head of NJI stated that the upcoming workshop for judges being planned by ICPC will present a unique opportunity for sincere discussions that will help the jurists update their consciousness of the multiple nefarious ways in, corruption may be brought to their doorstep. He further said that law is a tool of social engineering meant to close the lacuna of injustice and provide a realistic in to equality and equity.
He also acknowledged the impact of an appropriately functioning judiciary on the socio-economics of Nigeria, saying that “if courts fail, the economy and governance as a whole will suffer”.
While speaking about the welfare of judicial officers and staff of the Commission, Justice Adejumo mentioned that the well-being of people who work in sensitive positions must be prioritised to reduce the risk and temptation of corruption.
He also advised legal officers who intend to be appointed as judges to look beyond the paraphernalia of office and focus instead on grooming themselves to live a life of honesty, integrity, and selflessness.
While speaking on Dr. Aliyu’s call for an amendment of the constitution to expedite the judicial process on corruption cases, Justice Adejumo advised that the road ahead was long, hard, and tedious, and he admonished the staff of ICPC to support the Chairman to achieve great things and ensure an everlasting legacy.
On his part, he concluded by giving his word that he will ensure the NJI maintains a corruption-free relationship with all and sundry, whilst also assisting the Commission at any time it is required.
The visit buttresses ICPC’s commitment to closer institutional cooperation with the judiciary in order to advance accountability, transparency, and the rule of law across Nigeria.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
