By Our Reporter
Justice Muhammad Lawal Shuaibu, Presiding Judge at the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division, on Monday called on anti-corruption agencies to prioritize tackling high-profile figures involved in corruption rather than focusing on smaller offenders, such as “yahoo boys” (internet fraudsters).
Justice Shuaibu made the statement at the opening of the North West Zonal Attorney General’s Anti-Corruption Forum (AGAF), an event organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), and funding from the European Union (EU).
He emphasized the need for anti-corruption efforts to target influential figures, stating, “At the National Judicial Institute (NJI), I criticized the EFCC Chairman, though we disagreed. Since 2007, when I stopped handling corruption trials, I can’t recall any major case. Now, the focus has shifted to yahoo boys. I urge you all to go after the bigger fish. Only then will we have a stable society.”
Justice Shuaibu expressed frustration over the persistence of corrupt individuals in positions of power, citing the example of a serving governor who, after being incarcerated under his watch, managed to return to office. He called for greater cooperation between federal and state agencies to address this issue.
He also took aim at judges who issue ex parte orders to shield individuals with immunity from investigation, stating, “People with immunity can still be invited and investigated.”
Kano State Chief Judge, Justice Dije Aboki, echoed Shuaibu’s concerns, urging anti-corruption agencies to expose corruption at every level, irrespective of the status or influence of the individuals involved.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu SAN, reassured that the commission was committed to pursuing high-profile targets but highlighted that the use of technology to enhance the justice system would accelerate progress.
Aliyu also advocated for the swift passage of the Whistleblower Act, which he believes will bolster the fight against corruption by providing protection for whistleblowers and facilitating the exposure of corrupt practices.
On behalf of the EU and RoLAC, Mr. Emmanuel Uche stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration with state Attorneys General to enhance the effectiveness of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.