Corruption: Reps meet ICPC, CCB on operational framework

The House Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption convened a meeting with the management of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to discuss the operational framework in the fight against corruption in the country.

At the interactive session that took place at the National Assembly complex on Wednesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Kayode Moshood Akiolu, emphasized the purpose of the meeting: to identify gaps, challenges, and potential areas for legislative reforms to enhance the effectiveness of the anti-corruption agencies.

According to him, “Today’s meeting aims to foster an open dialogue and harness the wealth of experience and knowledge within this room. I hope this gathering will allow us to constructively discuss issues such as increasing transparency, streamlining reporting mechanisms, enhancing cooperation with other anti-corruption agencies, and exploring avenues for public engagement and awareness,”.

Akiolu stressed that the fight against corruption requires a collective effort from all stakeholders and assured that his committee would provide the necessary legislative support and oversight to strengthen the effectiveness of the ICPC and CCB in fulfilling their mandates.

The ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Henry Emore, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the House Committee stressing that despite challenges and limitations, the ICPC remains resolute in upholding high standards of transparency, accountability, and justice in combating corruption.

The ICPC chairman stated that between June 2023 and June 2024, the Commission had filed 67 cases in court involving individuals and organizations implicated in corrupt practices.

He explained that these cases encompass a wide range of offenses, including bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of office, with 17 convictions secured to date, demonstrating their determination to hold corrupt individuals accountable but quick to inform the lawmakers that the few convictions by the Commission were due to the slow judiciary process in the country.

“We have also seized and forfeited assets worth billions of naira through rigorous investigation and legal proceedings. Additionally, the ICPC has recovered cash directly linked to corrupt activities. Over the past year, we have recovered N73,922,033,705.10 and $20,000, redirecting these sums to the national coffers.

These recoveries, the ICPC boss said, “not only restore stolen funds but also deter those who might consider engaging in corrupt practices, adding that these recoveries have been paid into the coffers of the Federal Government”.

Aliyu highlighted the challenges faced by the Commission, including limited resources and legal loopholes noting that the complexity and sophistication of modern corruption schemes necessitate continuous adaptation and technological innovation in investigative techniques.

The ICPC chairman assured that the ICPC was committed to enhancing its capabilities and processes to foster a culture of integrity and accountability across the nation.

The lawmakers and the ICPC management later engaged in a question-and-answer session on the operational activities of the Commission.