We Are Partners In Tackling Crime, Kekere-Ekun Informs EFCC, ICPC, Others
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has reaffirmed the Judiciary’s ongoing commitment to supporting the agencies responsible for combating corruption in the country. These agencies include 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 emphasized that the Judiciary will continue to play an active role in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
She stated this at a 2-day capacity building workshop organized by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for Justices and judges in Nigeria aimed at fostering collaboration between the Judiciary and the anti-graft agency towards enhancing the dispensation of justice in Nigeria.
According to her, the Judiciary plays a vital role in the fight against corruption and this requires a strong synergy.
However, the CJN called for efficient investigation by the anti-graft agencies to avoid clogging the wheel of justice in court.
On his part, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin emphasized the need for a centralized data system that can be syndicated among anti-graft agencies.
He also urged that constant training be organized for investigating officers.
While speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is unable to carry out investigations in 10 states in Nigeria, as a result of court orders restraining it.
Although Olukoyede did not disclose the states involved, he, however, lamented that the EFCC’s activities have continued to be impeded by court orders restraining it from carrying out its investigation.
According to him, among the plethora of issues bothering the EFCC are the frequent adjournment of high-profile cases by courts, contempt orders, and undue reliance on technical grounds.
