EFCC Chairman Calls for Judicial Reforms to Combat Corruption

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, highlighted serious concerns about the slow pace of trials involving politically exposed persons in Nigeria. Speaking at the Canada-Nigeria Legal Exchange Forum in Toronto, he warned that this delay undermines the nation’s fight against corruption, asserting that “justice delayed is justice denied.”

Olukoyede pointed out that certain influential defendants exploit the weaknesses in the criminal justice system to prolong their trials. He emphasized that this tactic not only frustrates prosecutions but also erodes public trust in the legal process. “A major challenge is the slow pace of trial involving some politically exposed persons who are adept at exploiting gaps in the criminal justice system to frustrate their prosecution,” he stated. This sentiment was echoed during a recent workshop for judges and justices in Abuja.

The EFCC chairman, who has held various roles within the agency prior to his current appointment, acknowledged the persistent challenges the Commission faces in its corruption fight. He described this struggle as “never rosy anywhere in the world,” but noted that Nigeria’s specific circumstances complicate matters. Procedural delays, interlocutory injunctions, and systemic inefficiencies hinder the delivery of swift justice.

Olukoyede expressed concern that prolonged trials enable corruption suspects to enjoy their illicit gains and manipulate legal processes. He explained that such delays undermine the deterrent effect of the law and encourage further financial crimes. Over the past two years, the EFCC has secured more than 7,500 convictions and recovered assets valued at over N566 billion and $411 million. Despite these successes, he believes that faster court proceedings could have yielded even greater results.

In response to these challenges, Olukoyede called for urgent judicial reforms. He urged the need to eliminate technical bottlenecks, implement time-bound trial procedures, and limit the misuse of injunctions that delay high-profile corruption cases. “Swift justice delivery is vital to sustaining the integrity of our anti-graft efforts,” he remarked.

Additionally, he condemned the complicity of some professionals, including senior lawyers, who assist corrupt officials in hiding or laundering stolen funds. He challenged the legal community, asking, “Is there no ethics or conscience in practice?” Olukoyede appealed to the Nigerian diaspora, particularly legal practitioners in Canada, to help prevent the laundering of stolen funds through foreign financial systems.

With a growing number of Nigerians migrating abroad, he emphasized the importance of vigilance in detecting and stopping cross-border financial crimes. “For those of you in Canada, I recommend vigilance,” he cautioned. “The increasing number of Nigerians migrating to this country points ominously to Canada emerging as another axis for the laundering of ill-gotten wealth from Nigeria. You can help by providing information to law enforcement agencies.”

Olukoyede reaffirmed his commitment to institutional reform and professional integrity within the EFCC. He noted that under his leadership, the Commission has enacted strict internal ethics policies, upgraded its zonal commands, and established specialized departments to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency.

Despite ongoing challenges, Olukoyede remains optimistic about overcoming current setbacks. He insists that it is a collective responsibility to combat corruption, stating, “The anti-corruption fight is not for the EFCC alone. We must build a justice system that is fair, efficient, and fearless—one that delivers justice, not excuses.”