According to Channels Television on January 11, 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained that high-profile corruption cases involving politically exposed persons (PEPs) require extensive time before reaching the courts due to the meticulous and painstaking process of gathering irrefutable evidence.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede made the clarification during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme. He contrasted these cases with cybercrime prosecutions, which can often be concluded quickly due to straightforward digital trails and fewer layers of complexity.
“But when it comes to politically-exposed persons or public corruption or high-profile corruption, it takes time, and I can’t go to court when I am not ready,” Olukoyede stated. He emphasised that rushing such matters without solid evidence risks weakening the prosecution and allowing suspects to exploit legal technicalities, potentially leading to acquittals.
The chairman highlighted additional factors that contribute to delays, including legal bottlenecks, cross-border investigations involving assets and funds held in foreign jurisdictions, and the need for international cooperation to trace and recover proceeds of crime. These elements often prolong the investigative phase, as the EFCC must ensure compliance with due process to withstand scrutiny in court.
Olukoyede stressed that the extended timelines should not be misinterpreted as inactivity or lack of resolve on the commission’s part. Instead, they reflect a deliberate strategy to build watertight cases capable of securing convictions, particularly against influential figures who have access to top legal teams and resources to challenge proceedings.
This explanation comes amid public frustration over perceived slow progress in prosecuting prominent corruption suspects, including former governors, ministers, and other high-ranking officials. The EFCC has faced criticism for cases that linger for years, but the chairman reiterated the agency’s commitment to thoroughness to avoid setbacks.
The statement aligns with broader calls for judicial reforms to address systemic issues like frequent adjournments, conflicting court orders, and procedural hurdles that further prolong trials once cases reach court. As Nigeria continues its anti-corruption drive in 2026, the EFCC’s approach underscores the tension between speed and solidity in securing justice against powerful individuals.
0 Comments