The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu, has revealed that the commission recovered more than N20 billion and several properties from corrupt individuals in 2024.
Dr Aliyu made this disclosure on Monday in Ilorin during an interview on the sidelines of the Conference of State Attorneys-General in Nigeria’s North-Central Zone.
The conference, themed “Strengthening Subnational Synergies for Corruption Prevention: Advancing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in Nigeria’s North Central Region,” brought together legal and anti-corruption stakeholders from the region to strengthen collaboration in the fight against graft.
Aliyu emphasised that corruption was not limited to the federal level but also prevalent in subnational governments. He stressed that prevention remains the most strategic and cost-effective method of tackling corruption.
“If we allow corruption to happen, it becomes very difficult to cure, especially with the slow pace of the judicial process in Nigeria,” he said. “That is why prevention is key. But if it does occur, we will proceed with enforcement through investigation and possible prosecution.”
The ICPC Chairman also noted efforts to safeguard assets recovered from corrupt individuals, particularly those repatriated from outside Africa, ensuring they are not looted again.
He added that the commission would continue to reassess its strategies in response to evolving criminal trends and ongoing national reforms in the judiciary and legislative sectors.
Declaring the event open, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr Abdullahi Bello, described corruption as a major barrier to Nigeria’s development. He highlighted the importance of effective anti-corruption measures at the state level.
“Corruption undermines governance, erodes public trust, and hinders development,” Bello said. “Today’s engagement provides a platform for State Attorneys-General in the North-Central zone to share experiences and develop joint solutions.”
Bello also announced that the CCB was working on an online asset declaration system to enhance transparency and compliance among public officers.
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The Kwara State Attorney-General, Senior Sulyman, called for greater coordination in the anti-corruption drive and commended the ICPC’s efforts in enforcing its mandate.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Mr Kayode Akiolu, decried the damaging effects of corruption on national progress. He reaffirmed the 10th National Assembly’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption agencies through adequate funding.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Emmanuel Udende, stressed the critical role of Attorneys-General in maintaining justice at the state level. He applauded the ICPC for decentralising the anti-corruption campaign and called for a united front against the menace.
The Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, added that anti-corruption efforts should focus on prevention rather than punishment, warning that unchecked corruption threatens the rule of law.
Also in attendance were the Attorneys-General of Kogi, Plateau, Niger, and Nasarawa states.
