By Denis Matthew, Abuja
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede has lamented the weaponization of procedures, which he said involves tactics like challenging charges, brandishing sudden medical reports, ordering endless trials-within-trials, and using frivolous ‘no case submissions’ to stretch trials for years or even decades.
Speaking yesterday at the 7th EFCC-National Judicial Institute (NJI) Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges, themed: “Enhancing Justice in the Fight against Economic and Financial Crimes,” Olukoyede acknowledged the judiciary’s vital role but voiced frustration over protracted courtroom procedures that hinder progress, particularly in high-profile corruption cases involving politically exposed persons (PEPs).
“The milestones we have recorded in the past two years are almost overshadowed by public concern over the progress of high profile cases in court,” Olukoyede stated.
Olukoyede warned that prioritizing procedural technicalities at the expense of justice undermines public confidence.
“When cases drag in court, many things happen… The only victor in the circumstance is corruption,” he cautioned.
He also raised specific concerns regarding some State High Court judges issuing ex-parte orders to restrain the EFCC’s authority in money laundering cases, and allowing senior lawyers to stall the arraignment of corruption suspects through frivolous applications.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), under Ola Olukoyede, for achieving notable milestones in asset recovery and convictions.
This is as the President also issued a strong call to the judiciary to be a central and effective pillar in the fight against corruption, demanding greater commitment to dispensing swift justice.
In his keynote address, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted his administration’s commitment to strengthening anti-corruption agencies.
“The EFCC for example has recorded over 7,000 convictions in the first two years of the present administration and recovered assets in excess of Five Hundred Billion Naira,” the President stated.
He noted that these recovered proceeds of crime have been ploughed back into the economy to fund critical social investment schemes, including the Students Loan and Consumer Credit programs.
The President urged judges and justices to consolidate these efforts, warning that “A Nigeria free of corruption is possible, if we all commit to doing what is right… and ensuring that those who deviate from the norm are not allowed to go scot-free.”
He stressed that a robust judicial system is central to anti-corruption success, reminding judicial officers that they are not insulated from the consequences of corruption, such as insecurity and decayed public infrastructure.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman, NJI Board of Governors, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, acknowledged the sophisticated nature of economic crimes.
She emphasized that the judiciary’s role is not only to punish wrongdoing but to ensure that justice is delivered through processes that are fair, transparent, and consistent.
“Decisions of judicial officers have a profound impact on the growth and stability of our nation,” the CJN said, stressing the need for judges to remain proactive and adaptive to technological innovations used by criminals. “The fight against economic and financial crimes cannot succeed if the judiciary falters.”
Similarly, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, charged that for the anti-corruption war to be won, justice must be swift and certain.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to deepening reforms that strengthen interagency collaboration and promote evidence-driven prosecution, arguing that the investigator, prosecutor, and judge must form a “single chain of accountability.”
The workshop, which features keynote speaker Kanu Agabi, SAN, and was graced by goodwill messages from the Senate President and committee chairs, is scheduled to run until Wednesday, October 22, 2025.