The Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has made significant strides in its fight against corruption in Nigeria. Between 2019 and 2022, the Commission concluded a total of 4,705 investigations and recovered assets valued at an impressive N450.997 billion.
In addition to this, the ICPC also recovered lands and buildings worth over N25.361 billion during the same period. The Commission further secured a final forfeiture of N8.823 billion, marking a significant victory in its anti-corruption efforts.
These revelations were made by Hassan Salisu, an Assistant Commissioner of the Commission, during a workshop held in Kano on Thursday. The workshop, themed 'Role of Media in the Fight Against Corruption: Lessons from other Countries', aimed to highlight the crucial role of the media in combating corruption.
Salisu further disclosed that the ICPC had recovered N13.418 billion from businesses and farms. He also noted that the Commission had tracked 3,422 projects under CEPTI between 2019 and 2022. During this period, the agency filed 309 cases in court, with 387 cases currently under prosecution. The ICPC also secured 85 convictions, underscoring its commitment to holding corrupt individuals accountable.
In his address, Salisu emphasised the urgent need for the media to join the fight against corruption. He stated that the role of journalists is highly critical in achieving a Nigeria free of bribery and gratification. This call to action underscores the importance of a united front in the battle against corruption, with the media playing a pivotal role in informing and educating the public.