The chairperson of the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, Monday, said the commission recovered more than N20 billion and other properties from corrupt individuals in 2024.
Aliyu said this in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital in an interview on the sidelines of a Conference of State Attorneys-General in the North-Central zone.
The conference had as its theme “Strengthening Subnational Synergies for Corruption Prevention: Advancing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in Nigeria’s North Central Region.”
Aliyu noted that corruption was not only at federal levels, but also at the sub-nationals, adding that prevention was more strategic, less costly, and would help retain the country’s assets and resources.
“If we allow corruption to happen, it becomes very difficult to cure, especially the litigation processes.
“We all know that the judicial process in Nigeria is too slow, because of many cases on the table and that is why we should prevent corruption.
“But if it eventually happens, we will now go for enforcement, which is the investigation and probably prosecution,” he said.
The ICPC boss said the commission was ensuring that assets taken outside the shores of Africa, and recovered were not looted again.
“One of the strategies identified as a necessary tool for success in our shared pursuit of justice, is the continuity and reassessment of our efforts in the fight against corruption, as criminal trends evolve and national events unfold.
“This discussion is essential, especially as the country is undergoing significant judicial reforms and rapid legislative enhancements,” he said. (NAN)