The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over what it described as the slow and inconsistent prosecution of politically exposed persons facing corruption allegations while they continue to participate in electoral politics.
National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko in a statement expressed concern that individuals currently under investigation or facing corruption charges, including former public office holders such as Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta State governor; Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation; Salleh Mamman, a former Minister of Power already convicted in a related case; and Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State governor, are still actively pursuing political offices.
HURIWA argued that the continued delay in prosecuting such cases weakens public confidence in anti-corruption institutions and creates what it called a perception of selective justice. It further alleged that prolonged investigations and delayed court filings effectively allow suspects to remain politically active while cases remain unresolved.
The group also faulted the EFCC’s recent defence that it lacks constitutional powers to stop individuals under investigation from contesting elections, insisting that while electoral eligibility may fall outside the Commission’s mandate, timely and decisive prosecution remains a core responsibility of the agency.
According to HURIWA, failure to expedite high-profile corruption cases undermines deterrence and risks allowing accused persons to regain or retain political influence before judicial determinations are reached.
The organisation warned that such a situation could create conflicts of interest, particularly where individuals facing allegations of financial misconduct may later occupy legislative or oversight positions that could affect anti-graft agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau.
HURIWA also referenced past high-profile cases involving politically exposed persons that, in its view, were not pursued with sufficient urgency, leading to what it described as avoidable delays in justice delivery.
The group specifically urged the EFCC to adopt greater transparency by publishing regular updates on ongoing investigations involving politically exposed persons, including the stage of prosecution and reasons for delays where applicable.
It further called on the ICPC, INEC, the judiciary, and civil society organisations to strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure that individuals facing serious corruption allegations do not exploit procedural delays to re-enter or remain in public office without accountability.
HURIWA maintained that Nigeria’s anti-corruption war risks losing credibility if enforcement agencies are perceived as slow or inconsistent, stressing that justice delayed in high-profile corruption cases amounts to weakened democracy.
The organisation reiterated its position that public office should not become a safe haven for individuals with unresolved allegations of financial misconduct, adding that accountability and timely prosecution remain essential to restoring public trust in governance.
HURIWA criticises EFCC, ICPC over slow corruption prosecutions of politicians
