EFCC Cries Harassment Over Unresolved Corruption Cases As Nigerians Demand Accountability
........The anti-graft agency blames prolonged judicial proceedings for criticism over high-profile prosecutions, but questions remain about the effectiveness, transparency and consistency of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed concern over what it describes as persistent harassment and criticism arising from its inability to secure final judgments in some high-profile corruption cases currently before Nigerian courts.
The commission's complaint has reignited debate over the pace of corruption prosecutions, particularly cases involving politically exposed individuals, and the effectiveness of institutions responsible for holding public officials accountable.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, reportedly made the remarks on Thursday during a joint security briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
Oyewale argued that the commission should not be blamed for delays in concluding criminal cases, insisting that its responsibility is to investigate allegations, gather evidence and prosecute suspects, while the judiciary determines the outcome of proceedings.
He reportedly cited the ongoing prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as one of the high-profile cases attracting public attention.
According to him, the EFCC cannot determine how quickly courts hear and conclude cases, as judicial proceedings are governed by established legal procedures.
However, while the commission's argument highlights the separation of powers between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, it does not eliminate legitimate questions about the performance of anti-corruption institutions.
Nigerians have a right to demand explanations over prolonged investigations, delayed prosecutions and the apparent difficulty of securing final judgments in cases involving individuals accused of mismanaging public resources.
The EFCC must demonstrate that it is pursuing such cases diligently, presenting credible evidence and taking all legally permissible steps to prevent avoidable delays.
Where proceedings are stalled by judicial processes, the circumstances should be transparently explained. Where investigative or prosecutorial weaknesses contribute to delays, those shortcomings must also be addressed.
In defending its record, the commission reportedly cited a prosecution success rate of approximately 98 per cent and disclosed that it recorded 10,872 convictions and recovered more than ₦1.233 trillion between October 1, 2023, and July 31, 2026.
While the figures indicate significant enforcement activity, the effectiveness of the anti-corruption campaign should not be measured by conviction and recovery statistics alone.
Transparency in the management of recovered assets, accountability for public funds and consistent prosecution of suspects, regardless of their political influence, remain critical measures of institutional credibility.
The commission is not responsible for determining judicial outcomes, but it remains accountable for the quality of its investigations, the strength of its evidence and the diligence with which it prosecutes cases.
Ultimately, public criticism should not automatically be dismissed as harassment. In a democracy, scrutiny of institutions entrusted with protecting public resources is a legitimate component of accountability.
Nigeria needs an anti-corruption system in which allegations are thoroughly investigated, prosecutions are conducted without unnecessary delays and justice is delivered without fear or favour.
The EFCC may not control the courts, but Nigerians are entitled to demand that every corruption case it initiates receives the seriousness, transparency and prosecutorial commitment it deserves.
The allegations against Yahaya Bello remain subject to judicial determination. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.
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