Nigeria’s Judiciary Accelerates Anti-Corruption Efforts: 48 Justices Assigned to EFCC Cases.
By Our Correspondent.
In a significant move to enhance the efficiency of financial crimes prosecution, the Nigerian judiciary has appointed 48 justices across different divisions of the Federal High Court to oversee cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This decision, announced in a press statement on February 13, 2025, by Chief Judge Justice John T. Tsoho, aims to expedite the handling of financial crimes, money laundering, and corruption cases that have long impacted Nigeria’s judicial landscape.
The assigned justices include notable figures such as Justices I. E. Ekwo and J. O. Abdulmalik in the Abuja Division, while Lagos will see Justices C. J. Aneke and Y. S. Bogoro taking on these critical cases. Port Harcourt is set to have Justices P. M. Ayua and A. T. Mohammed presiding, with additional justices allocated to various cities including Calabar, Asaba, and Warri, among others.
This initiative comes as public concern grows over leniency and delays in the judicial process, often exploited by influential politicians and former government officials to avoid accountability. Critics have voiced their apprehensions regarding the use of legal loopholes and prolonged adjournments that hinder the judicial system’s integrity.
As the EFCC continues to secure convictions in certain instances, the expansion of judicial resources aims to counter the perception that the judicial process can be manipulated based on political motivations.
The judiciary’s commitment to tackling corruption head-on is crucial for restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system and ensuring that justice is served without prejudice.
