Sen. Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State and current APC senator representing Ogun East, has proposed a structured amnesty programme for Nigerians who repatriate illicit funds stashed abroad. Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the Yar'Adua Centre during a book launch marking his 70th birthday, Daniel argued that capital flight remains one of the most damaging aspects of corruption in Nigeria. He noted that stolen funds often end up enriching foreign economies while depriving Nigeria of vital development resources. A significant portion of these illicit flows passes through the banking system, making them traceable with modern financial intelligence tools, he said.
Daniel suggested that the Federal Government consider a moratorium or amnesty on prosecution for individuals who return stolen funds, on condition that the money is reinvested in productive sectors of the Nigerian economy. "This will help inject needed capital into the economy," he stated. He also called for stronger use of the Code of Conduct Bureau to enforce accountability among public officials. The senator raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and disinformation, warning that public opinion is increasingly shaped by distorted narratives. He urged investment in credible, fact-based information systems and advocated a return to the "Omoluabi" ethos of integrity in public service.
Four books were launched at the event, including Daniel in the Lions' Den and My March through the Courts. Dr Reuben Abati, a Fellow of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, endorsed the books as valuable reflections on Nigerian politics and urged documentation of personal experiences. Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire described My March through the Courts as a "must-read," particularly for its account of Daniel's legal battles and acquittal.
Offering amnesty to those who return stolen funds turns accountability into a bargaining chip, and Sen. Gbenga Daniel is now openly pitching it as policy. If the state starts negotiating immunity for repatriated loot, it sets a precedent that catching thieves matters less than chasing their shadows. This shifts focus from justice to transactional recovery—where the wealthy and well-connected could buy their way out while smaller offenders face the full weight of the law. For Nigerians, it signals that corruption might not be punished, as long as some of the money comes back.
