The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has reaffirmed the Judiciary’s continued support for agencies tasked with combating corruption in the country, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
She made this statement during a two-day capacity-building workshop, organized by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for justices and judges in Nigeria, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Judiciary and anti-corruption agencies to improve the delivery of justice.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the Judiciary plays a critical role in the fight against corruption, which requires a strong partnership with the anti-graft bodies. However, she urged these agencies to conduct thorough investigations to prevent delays in court proceedings.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, highlighted the need for a centralized data system to be shared among anti-corruption agencies. He also called for regular training for investigating officers.
Meanwhile, EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede revealed that the Commission is unable to carry out investigations in 10 states due to court orders restraining its activities. Though he did not disclose the states, Olukoyede expressed concern over the repeated obstruction of the EFCC’s work by such orders. He also pointed out other challenges, including frequent adjournments of high-profile cases, contempt orders, and excessive reliance on technicalities in court.