The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to make public the status of ongoing corruption investigations involving former governors and ministers. In a statement issued Sunday by Emmanuel Onwubiko, its National Coordinator, the group raised concern over the continued political participation of individuals facing unresolved corruption charges. Named individuals include Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor of Delta State, Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation, Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power, and Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State. HURIWA alleged that prolonged investigations and delayed prosecutions have allowed these figures to pursue elective positions without judicial closure on their cases.
The group accused the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of weakening public confidence by failing to conclude cases promptly. It noted that despite the EFCC's claim that it lacks constitutional authority to bar suspects from contesting elections, the agency has not provided public updates on the procedural stages of high-profile investigations. HURIWA cited Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, as an example, referencing past investigations that did not progress to court despite public attention. The group argued that this pattern enables politically exposed persons to retain unrestricted political mobility while facing unresolved allegations.
HURIWA warned that allowing such individuals to seek legislative or executive offices could create conflicts of interest, particularly if they later oversee institutions handling their own cases. The organisation stressed that delayed investigations contribute to the perception of selective enforcement based on political status. It called for transparency, urging the EFCC to disclose timelines, procedural stages, and prosecutorial decisions in all pending corruption cases. The group emphasized that anti-corruption enforcement must be timely and applied equally, regardless of political affiliation or office.
HURIWA points out that politicians like Ifeanyi Okowa and Yahaya Bello face unresolved corruption cases yet remain politically active while the EFCC offers no public updates on investigations. The same EFCC that prosecuted lower-profile suspects has not advanced high-level cases to trial, creating a credibility gap. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, once linked to a stalled investigation, now presides over lawmakers who may shape oversight of anti-graft bodies. Nigerians named in EFCC probes but not charged continue to run for office, raising questions about consequences for the politically connected.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
