The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it processed 851 petitions, with 342 assigned for investigation, 95 fully investigated, 72 cases filed in court, and 16 convictions secured in the last one year.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), announced this accomplishment during an event commemorating his one-year anniversary as chairman.
“In this regard, we are streamlining our processes to ensure faster and more effective prosecution of cases, leading to the resuscitation of 10 to 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,” the ICPC chairman said.
Mr Aliyu said the agency has achieved significant milestones in its anti-corruption efforts, recovering over N52 billion and $966,900.83 in the past year.
He said the agency also intercepted and prevented the diversion of N5.882 billion across 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within the same period, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
He attributed the significant milestone achievement to the steadfast commitment to the rule of law, adaptation to evolving trends and equipping its workforce with ICT capacity in the fight against corruption.
“These accomplishments include notable asset recoveries, enforcement actions, and initiatives promoting transparency and good governance.
The commission has achieved significant milestones in asset recovery, according to its Chairman, Mr. Aliyu. Notably, ₦29.70 billion in cash was recovered and is currently held in ICPC recovery accounts.
Additionally, ₦10.98 billion in Value-Added Tax (VAT) was recovered and remitted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), while ₦10 billion in COVID-19 vaccine funds was returned to the treasury.
“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,” he said.
Mr Aliyu disclosed that the report of the EICS exercise conducted in the middle of this year was ready and would also be released to the public through the media.
Mr Aliyu said the commission had just completed the tracking of 1,500 projects nationwide, valued at N610 billion, under CEPTI Phase 7.
“Upon completion of tracking field work last week, follow-up activities are ongoing and the report is being collated.
“However, the report of the Phase 6 exercise conducted about this same time last year is ready and will be released to the public today,” he added.