Tinubu Commends EFCC Chairman Olukoyede for Outstanding Asset Recovery and Conviction Achievements
By Naija Enquirer Staff
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Ola Olukoyede for achieving remarkable milestones in asset recovery and convictions.
The President gave the commendation in his keynote address during the official opening of the 7th EFCC–NJI Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja. The theme of the workshop was “Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes.”
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised the EFCC for its performance, noting that the agency had recorded over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets worth more than ₦500 billion within the first two years of his administration.
“As an administration, we have prioritized public accountability by strengthening the anti-corruption agencies and according them the needed independence to execute their statutory mandates. This enabling environment is evident in the impact made over the last two years,” he said.
The President further explained that proceeds of crime recovered by the EFCC have been redirected to fund critical social investment programmes, including the Students Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Initiative.
Calling on members of the judiciary to play a vital role in sustaining the anti-corruption drive, President Tinubu emphasized that justice delivery remains central to a transparent and corruption-free Nigeria. “We have allowed both the judiciary and anti-graft agencies to exercise their constitutional powers to dispense justice and restore sanity. Courts and judges are strong pillars of the anti-corruption process,” he stated.
He warned that corruption undermines national growth and development, urging collaboration among the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government to ensure accountability and justice.
“There are no special roads or hospitals for judges; corruption affects us all. It is in our collective interest to fight and win this war,” he added.
Olukoyede Decries Delays in High-Profile Corruption Cases
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, in his remarks, acknowledged the critical role of the judiciary in enforcing accountability but lamented the prolonged delays in high-profile corruption cases, describing them as a major obstacle to justice.
“The milestones we have achieved are often overshadowed by public concern over the slow progress of high-profile cases. Some cases filed 15 or 20 years ago are still unresolved due to procedural delays and technicalities,” he said.
He condemned the “weaponization of procedures,” noting that the overemphasis on technicalities erodes public trust in the judicial process and emboldens corruption.
Olukoyede also expressed concern over certain judicial practices that, according to him, undermine the EFCC’s mandate, including ex parte orders that halt investigations and conflicting judgments from courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
Judiciary Urged to Safeguard Integrity of Justice System
Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, NJI Board of Governors, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in her address, reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to strengthening public confidence and accountability in the justice system.
She warned that economic and financial crimes continue to undermine national development, weaken institutions, and exacerbate inequality. “These crimes rob our citizens of schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The judiciary’s duty is to ensure that justice is delivered fairly, transparently, and consistently,” she stated.
The Chief Justice emphasized that every judicial ruling carries implications beyond the courtroom and that the judiciary must remain proactive and adaptive in the face of evolving economic and technological challenges.
Attorney General Calls for Swifter Justice Delivery
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), called for swifter and more coordinated justice delivery to strengthen the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.
“The fight against economic and financial crimes is not just a legal battle; it is a moral duty and a civic responsibility. When corruption thrives, justice withers,” he said.
Fagbemi stressed the need for synergy between investigators, prosecutors, and judges, pledging that the Ministry of Justice will continue to promote evidence-based prosecution and align Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework with global standards.
The workshop, which runs until Wednesday, October 22, 2025, also featured goodwill messages from the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio (represented by Senator Munguno), Senator Udende Emmanuel, and Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, among others.
