In Nigeria, several high-profile corruption cases have progressed through the courts during 2025, while the outcomes of others remain uncertain due to legal complexities, ongoing investigations, or political controversies.
Here are updates on some major cases that were ongoing as of 2025:
Cases with Ongoing Trials or Significant Activity
Godwin Emefiele (Former CBN Governor): Emefiele faces multiple criminal cases related to alleged fraud, abuse of office, and corruption.
Throughout 2025, various aspects of his cases were heard in different courts in Lagos and Abuja. Some assets linked to him, including a large estate and Nok University, have been ordered forfeited.
The trials are ongoing as of late 2025.
Hadi Sirika (Former Aviation Minister): Arraigned in May 2024 over alleged ₦2.7 billion fraud and contract irregularities, his trial continued throughout 2025. Witnesses presented evidence suggesting contract splitting and full payments for unexecuted works.
The case entered a “trial-within-trial” phase in October 2025 to determine the voluntariness of statements given by his family members to the EFCC.
Yahaya Bello (Former Kogi State Governor): Accused of misappropriating over ₦80 billion and facing additional charges of about ₦110 billion, Bello’s high-profile case has been marked by controversy and delays.
The EFCC’s efforts to prosecute him continued through 2025, but the case’s legal and political complexities have drawn significant public attention regarding accountability.
The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) announced it is actively investigating several high-profile individuals, including former ministers and serving top government officials at federal and state levels.