President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets worth more than ₦500 billion in the past two years of his administration.
The president made this known on Monday in Abuja during the 7th Capacity-Building Workshop for Judges and Justices, organised by the EFCC in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI). Tinubu was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to him, the figures reflect his government’s strong commitment to fighting corruption and maintaining the independence of the judiciary.
“The EFCC has recorded over seven thousand convictions in the first two years of my administration and recovered assets in excess of five hundred billion naira,” Tinubu said.
He added that the money and assets recovered are being used to fund social investment programmes, such as the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes, aimed at supporting young people and improving the economy.
No Political Interference in Anti-Corruption Agencies
President Tinubu also said his administration has never interfered with the work of anti-corruption bodies like the EFCC or the judiciary.
“There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors on account of their affiliation to this government or the political party,” he stated.
He emphasised that the EFCC and judges are free to carry out their duties without political pressure or influence, saying both institutions are essential in strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
Concern Over Delays in Corruption Cases
Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians are frustrated by how long it takes courts to handle major corruption cases, while cybercrime cases are often resolved much faster.
“This year’s workshop theme — ‘Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes’ — is timely. People are angry about the delay in adjudicating high-profile cases, while cybercrime cases are quickly concluded,” he said.
He noted that some court decisions in corruption cases have also caused public disappointment, making citizens feel that “justice is not being served.”
Call for Integrity and Continuous Learning
President Tinubu urged judges to protect the integrity of the judiciary, describing it as “the last sanctuary of our collective conscience.”
“We draw our moral distinction as a people from the judiciary, and we owe it the reverence and autonomy to remain the last sanctuary of our collective conscience,” he said.
Tinubu also stressed that financial crimes are evolving with technology, from email scams to cryptocurrency fraud, and urged judicial officers to keep learning and adapting.
“How does one do justice in a cryptocurrency fraud case except one is grounded in such matters?” he asked. “Learning and relearning are essential in this digital age.”
The president concluded by reminding judicial officers that no one is above the law.
“Your position on the Bench does not protect you from the effects of corruption. There are no special roads or hospitals for judges,” Tinubu said. “A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right.”
