Kehinde Fajobi
Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies—the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)—recently announced significant strides in asset recovery and convictions for 2024. According to the Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Zakari Mijinyawa, the agencies reclaimed a combined ₦277.685 billion, $105.966 million, and secured 3,468 convictions.
While the statistics appear impressive on the surface, a critical examination of these claims raises questions about the calibre of individuals convicted, the impact of these recoveries on Nigeria’s economy, and the conspicuous absence of major political and corporate culprits often dubbed the “big thieves” who continue to drain the nation’s resources.
Numbers Without Context: Who Are These Convicts?
The EFCC’s claim of over 3,455 convictions this year highlights a level of efficiency in prosecuting financial crimes. However, these figures do not reveal the profiles of those convicted. Are these convictions targeting small-time offenders, such as petty cybercriminals (commonly known as “Yahoo boys”), or low-ranking officials?
There is little to no transparency on whether the agency has successfully prosecuted high-profile individuals who dominate Nigeria’s corruption landscape—former governors, ministers, and politically connected business figures.
Mijinyawa mentioned ongoing prosecutions of former governors, three ex-ministers, and former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele. Yet, Nigerians have witnessed high-profile cases stall in court for years, often leading to inconclusive outcomes or soft sentences. For instance, cases involving public officials accused of embezzling billions are often buried under prolonged judicial delays or legal technicalities.
Asset Recovery: Who Benefits from the Loot?
The EFCC’s recovery of over ₦248 billion and 753 duplexes is commendable, yet the critical question remains: What happens to these recovered assets? Transparency in the redistribution of recovered funds and properties is vital. Are these resources returned to the public through infrastructural projects, or do they quietly disappear into government coffers without accountability?
Similarly, the ICPC’s recovery of ₦29.685 billion and its tracking of 1,500 constituency projects is noteworthy. Yet, Nigerians are yet to see visible evidence of these efforts translating into improved living standards or significant infrastructural growth.
The Elephant in the Room: Selective Prosecution?
The ongoing public perception is that Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight remains selective, targeting less-powerful offenders while shielding politically connected individuals. Despite the EFCC’s claims of prosecuting ex-governors and ministers, convictions in such high-profile cases are rare, and the outcomes often fail to serve as deterrents.
This raises concerns about political interference and the agencies’ independence. For instance, high-profile corruption scandals involving billions of naira have dominated headlines for years, yet most of these cases fade away, leaving the powerful perpetrators unscathed.
A Case for Transparency and Impact
The EFCC and ICPC must do more than tout statistics. Nigerians deserve to know:
- Who are the individuals behind the 3,468 convictions?
- How much of the recovered assets have directly benefited the public?
- What concrete steps are being taken to prosecute “big thieves” who bleed the nation dry?
Furthermore, the EFCC’s restructuring efforts, including the Fraud Risk Assessment and Control department, must focus on identifying and addressing systemic corruption within Nigeria’s political and economic institutions.
Conclusion
While the achievements of the EFCC, ICPC, and other law enforcement agencies reflect progress, Nigerians are justified in demanding more. The fight against corruption cannot be measured by numbers alone; it must be judged by its impact on governance, accountability, and justice for all—regardless of political affiliation or status.
Until the “big thieves” are brought to justice, the anti-corruption war will continue to ring hollow, a battle fought only against the powerless while the powerful remain untouchable.
The Nigerian public deserves a clearer answer: Where are the big thieves?