Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu has disclosed that the sum of N5.882 billion diverted from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were intercepted by the commission in the past one year.
Dr. Aliyu said the funds were intercepted while conducting Systems Study and Review (SSR) for 323 MDAs.
The ICPC boss who attributed this as part of his achievements in office stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at an event to mark his one year in office.
According to him, “As part of its commitment to institutional accountability, the commission assessed 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).
“It also established 80 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) across MDAs to reinforce its anti-corruption efforts. While doing these, the commission stopped the diversion of public funds to the tune of ₦5.882 billion.”
Speaking further, the ICPC boss said that the anti-graft body processed 851 petitions, with 342 assigned for investigation, 95 fully investigated, 72 already filed in court, and 16 convictions secured within the period in review.
While speaking on plans to get faster prosecution of cases, Aliyu said, “In this regard, we are streamlining our processes to ensure faster and more effective prosecution of cases, leading to the resuscitation of 10-15-year-old cases in courts. We have also advanced the fight against sexual harassment and corruption in educational institutions and public offices, achieving ongoing prosecutions and increased public support.”
While speaking at the event, former chairman of the commission, Ekpo Nta, made a case for the ICPC and other anti-graft agencies to retain some percentage of recovered fund for operational purposes.
Nta, who is also the chairman of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), also called for better funding of the anti-graft agencies to avoid temptation and corruption.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede warned against duplication of petitions, noting that anyone who has petitioned the ICPC does not need to petition the EFCC on the same issue.
