NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security

How ICPC recovered N20bn ghost workers’ pension deductions in 2024 – Chairman

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it recovered over N20 billion in pension deductions from the salaries of ghost workers in 2024.

The Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a breakfast meeting with some members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Aliyu said that the commission also arrested some people who specialised in inserting names of their cronies into the Federal Government payroll.

According to him, while deductions for workers’ pension are remitted to Pension Fund Administrators, the same cannot be said for ghost workers’ pension.

“Any deduction made on ghost workers cannot go to any Pension Fund Administrator.

” It will be hanging; so that was the N20 billion recovered.

“We have been able to track and recover this amount of money and we also identified people that are inserting ghost workers in the system.

“We even discovered that somebody put his wife, his son and his inlaw on the payroll.

” He is a 15-year-old boy. We arrested him.

“ These are some of the challenges that we are trying to see that we tackle.

” We don’t want to allow this to happen again,” he said.

The chairman further revealed that the commission succeeded in blocking about N50 billion from being diverted by some public officers in 2023.

While seeking the support of the media in achieving the commission’s mandate, he said that the anti-graft agency had put in place strategies to fight corruption.

He said that the commission was trying its best to achieve its goal, adding that it would not hide information or compromise on enforcement

“As we are empowered and regarding the issue of enforcement, we will ensure that we share verified information through reports, newsletters and press releases on our website and social media.

“Last year, we had an event whereby we unveiled the Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028

” Our strategic Action Plan is in line with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

“We would always be proactive in making sure that we don’t allow certain things to happen so that we don’t go chasing shadows,” he said.

The chairman, however, advocated a review of the nation’s laws to make corruption less attractive.

According to him, anyone found guilty of corruption should not benefit from it as in some jurisdictions.

Aliyu said such persons should be made to pay the full amount involved into public coffers with interest and barred from holding public office for as long as 10 years.

He urged Nigerians to stop eulogising corrupt people, saying this had been at the heart of the rot in society.

He pledged to transform the commission to a leading anti-graft agency in the country with the mutual relationship established with the media.

“Our partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has greatly improved our anti-corruption communication and public engagement efforts.

“We salute your commitment to the crusade against corruption and our successful efforts in 2024.

“We believe that our combined professional integrity would lead us to achieve more in our mandate of mass mobilisation against corrupt practices in Nigeria,” he said.

Miss Hussaina Akila, the Director of News, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria,  in her remarks, lauded the ICPC chairman for initiating the forum.

Akila, however, urged the anti-graft agency to ensure comprehensive insurance of its operatives, saying this would boost their morale.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by editors and bureau chiefs from the northern part of the country. (NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Health , Science & Tech

ICPC urges NNMDA to tackle proliferation of unregulated herbal drinks

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA) to address the proliferation of unregulated herbal drinks in the country.

Mr Kabir Elelu, the ICPC Resident Commissioner for Lagos State, made the call at a one-day training webinar titled, “Building a Transparent and Accountable Public Institution and Inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the NNMDA.’’

Elelu expressed concern over the unchecked sale of herbal mixtures, commonly referred to as “Ala Agbo,” by hawkers, noting that the consumption of such substances posed severe health risks.

“One particular area I want you to look at is the area of this natural medicine; how do we harness them and protect public health?

“You also need to look at how it has been bastardised by hawkers and some of them are killing our people.

“I want the agency to look into this and come out with a solution because it is a huge problem; it is a problem in all areas of the country with all kinds of concoctions that are killing our people.

“Now, we have high rate of liver cirrhosis and all kinds of diseases that can be associated with the intake of herbal concoctions.’’

Highlighting the ICPC’s mandate under Section 6 of its Act, Elelu explained the commission’s roles in investigating corruption, preventing it through system audits and educating the public on its dangers.

He emphasised the importance of ethics, integrity and public service diligence in combating corruption.

“Corruption has infiltrated every sector in Nigeria resulting in insecurity, inflation, unemployment and challenges in the oil and gas industry.

“As public servants, we must lead the fight against corruption, starting from our own spaces,” he said.

Elelu commended the NNMDA for its credible performance on the ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, where it consistently scored above 70 per cent.

The commissioner, however, urged the agency to intensify its efforts in promoting transparency.

Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of the NNMDA, reiterated the agency’s commitment to transparency in research and natural medicines development.

Emeje described the inauguration of ACTU members as a significant step toward fostering transparency and fighting corruption.

“With transparency, we are driving the principle of Renewal of Hope to develop natural medicines.

“Most of our medicines are imported and that is the narrative we are changing; so, within one and a half years, we have proven that Nigeria can do it transparently without stealing,” Emeje said.

He lamented the overreliance on imported medicines attributing it to the erosion of traditional medicines dues to colonialism and corruption.

The director-general said that Nigerians should be good ambassadors of the country, projecting its positive narratives.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of five ACTU members from NNMDA the ICPC team.

The five ACTU members took an oath to uphold transparency and remain committed to the anti-corruption crusade in the agency and beyond.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

From left: Chairman, National Salaries Income and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta; Commissioner, Anti-Corruption Commission of Siena Leone, Francis Ben Kaifala; Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences, Dr Musa Aliyu; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede; and the Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, during the ICPC Chairman one year anniversary in office on Abuja on Tuesday
Defence/Security

ICPC recovers N52bn, $966,900.83, intercepts N5.9bn diverted funds

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By Isaac Aregbesola
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered over N52 billion and 966,900.83 U.S. dollars in the last one year.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, at an event to mark his one year anniversary as the Chairman of ICPC.

Aliyu said that the commission also intercepted and stopped the diversion of N5.882 billion in 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within the same period.

He attributed the significant milestone 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.

“The current administration’s anti-corruption agenda and my own policy thrust encapsulated in the acronym “CARE” for impact, have further motivated the Commission to enhance its tools, approaches, and engagements.

”I am therefore bold and proud to reflect on the modest progress we have made and the challenges we have overcome so far.

“These accomplishments include notable asset recoveries, enforcement actions, and initiatives promoting transparency and good governance.

”For instance, through its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), the Commission continues to ensure accountability in government funds and delivery of tangible benefits of democracy to citizens across Nigeria,” he said.

Aliyu said that in the area of asset recovery, ₦29.70 billion in cash was recovered and presently domiciled in the ICPC recovery accounts.

He said that in the same vein ₦10.98 billion in VAT was recovered and remitted to FIRS, while N10 billion COVID-19 vaccine funds meant for production of vaccine was remitted to the treasury.

The ICPC chairman stated that the commission also recovered value of assets to the tune of N2.5 billion through various courts’ order of final forfeiture.

Aliyu added that 966,900.83 U.S. dollars was also retrieved and kept secured in the ICPC-CBN account balance brought forward.

He explained that the commission intercepted over N5 billion while conducting Systems Study and Review (SSR) of the MDAs through its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

“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.

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.

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.

On the petitions received by the agency, he said that the ICPC had processed 851 petitions, with 342 assigned for investigation, 95 fully investigated, 72 cases filed in court, and 16 convictions secured.

“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.(NAN)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Defence/Security

ICPC unveils service charter to track operations

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has unveiled a service charter to track, monitor and hold the commission accountable in its operations.

Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN,  the Chairman of ICPC, who said this at the inauguration of the charter in Abuja, said that would ensure excellent service delivery to citizens.

Represented by the commission’s Secretary, Mr Clifford Oparaodu, the chairman said that the charter would place the commission in a vintage position to deliver efficient service.

”The Service Charter outlines 27 services rendered by the commission, ranging from the administrative functions such as general administration, procurement, training, and operational functions.

”The services also include investigation, prosecution, systems study and review, public enlightenment and education.

“The charter also lists seven performance targets and timelines for some of the administrative functions such as acknowledgement of petitions and response to communications,” he said.

Aliyu said that the charter, however, acknowledged that some of the activities could not be tied to timelines.

He listed the services which timelines could not be provided with specific accuracy to include investigation of petitions, prosecution of cases, recovery of looted funds and benefits for petitioners and victims of corrupt activities.

He pledged the commission’s commitment to undertake, pursue, and deliver such services with utmost commitment.

He explained that ”the charter also contains obligations of the different stakeholders including the commission’s “customers”, visitors, contractors as well as staff, management and board of the commission.

”There is the Grievance Redress Mechanism, which outlines the channels for complaining when services are not rendered as they should be.

”The mechanisms include our toll-free number (0800-CALL-ICPC), the phone numbers of the Complaints Desk Officer and the Nodal Officer, email addresses and state offices addresses.”

He urged all the heads of departments and resident Anti-Corruption Commissioners to make information available on these services on request and during their monitoring exercises to assess service delivery.

The Nodal Officer, SERVICOM, ICPC, Mrs Azuka  Ogugua, said that the charter would help the commission achieve its goals.

”It is going to improve our operational services, we now have a template in which we can hold ourselves accountable. If we are not meeting up with the standards we set, we will query ourselves.

”The public should expect a more structured, a more focused ICPC in the way we do things because we now know that the public is aware that we have a service charter.

”When they write to ICPC they are going to get response, not just acknowledgement, within the time stated, which is 14 days, this is the standards and it can be reviewed.

”It is also to assure the public that the ICPC is listening and will serve them better,” she said.

The National Orientation Agency`s (NOA) Nodal Officer, Mr Obinna Nwosu, in his remarks, lauded the commission for developing the charter.

He said that the charter showed that the commission prioritised quality service and stakeholders’ satisfaction as a responsive and responsible public service.

“It is instructive to note that, as service providers, our stakeholders expect much from us; and when we match their expectations with quality service, we gain their trust.

’At NOA, we believe that quality service delivery is a result of positive values, attitudes and behaviours. In fact, it is the bedrock of public trust,”  he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Defence/Security

Technology game changer in anti-corruption war- ICPC

363 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has emphasised that embracing technology was vital in combating corruption in the country.

ICPC Secretary, Mr Clifford Oparaodu, represented by Mr Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, said this at the inauguration of the students’ anti-corruption vanguard on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Embracing technology can be a game-changer in our fight against corruption. We are living in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, and Nigerians youths have proven themselves adept at utilising these tools.

“We must harness the power of technology to increase transparency, enhance accountability, and improve governance.

“Mobilising our coding skills, data analysis abilities and social media prowess, we can expose corrupt practices, track public spending and facilitate citizen participation in anti-corruption initiatives,” he said

Oparaodu highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population, with 60 per cent under 30, as a crucial factor in shaping the nation’s future.

He emphasised that young people possessed the passion, energy, and creativity necessary to tackle corruption.

To achieve this, he advocated for empowering and involving youths in the fight against corruption, leveraging technology to increase transparency, enhance accountability, and improve governance.

“We need to establish platforms, where young Nigerians from diverse background can come together, share ideas, and work collectively towards a corruption–free Nigeria.

“Civil society organisations, academic institutions and youth led initiatives should collaborate to create opportunities to become anti-corruption champions,” he said.

He said the youth of Nigeria had a pivotal role to play in the fight against corruption.

“By educating ourselves, leveraging technology, engaging in politics of development, and fostering collaboration, we can effect real change in our society.

“The establishment of the students’ anti-corruption vanguard is a testament to our commitment to integrity and accountability.

“Through this platform, you will have opportunity to educate your peers, raise awareness about the danger of corruption, and advocate for transparency in all spheres of life, especially among yourselves and in your various institutions,” he said.

He urged the students to take a wave of change and collaborate with the commission, which would provide you with the necessary tools and guidance to effectively champion the cause.

“Together, let us forge a path towards a future where integrity thrives and corruption is a relic of the past.

“I look forward to witnessing the impactful initiatives that will emerge from these vanguards and the positive changes you will bring about,” he said.

He said by implementing these strategies, Nigerian youths could drive meaningful change and create a society where integrity thrived, and corruption eradicated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that students from the School of nursing Gwagwalada, Abuja; Nasarawa Polytechnic and Nile University were presented at the event (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu
Defence/Security

Edo guber: Group petitions ICPC, demands INEC’s probe

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A Civil Society Organisation,TAP Initiative, has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences (ICPC) over alleged manipulation of Edo governorship election’s results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group in the petition by its Executive Director, Martin Obono, urged the ICPC chairman to investigate and prosecute members of staff of INEC involved in the alleged election’s results forgery.

Obono said that the petition was submitted under Section 26 of the ICPC Act, 2000, which makes it an offence for any public officer to corruptly confer any advantage upon themselves.

He claimed that some INEC officials were involved in corrupt practices and forgery during the Edo governorship elections held from Sept. 21 to Sept. 22.

He, therefore, urged the anti-graft agency to prosecute INEC chairman and Edo Electoral commissioner for the role played in the alleged manipulation of the election results in Edo.

“We write to bring to your attention serious allegations of corrupt practices and forgery involving certain staff and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the Edo governorship elections held from September 21 to 22, 2024.

“This petition is submitted under Section 26 of the ICPC Act, 2000, which makes it an offense for any public officer to corruptly confer any advantage upon themselves or any other person through their position.

“The recent Edo State governorship elections were marred by significant irregularities, some of which were perpetrated by all political parties without exception,” he said.

He accused the electoral body of deliberately manipulating and falsifying the results of the governorship election in Edo.

“INEC announced results that differed from the original data obtained from the IReV. A comparison between the result sheets from IReV and the Certified True Copies issued by INEC revealed discrepancies.

“Although the serial numbers, polling units, and wards matched, the results differed. In some cases, the number of registered voters was altered, and the signatures of the Presiding Officers were forged, with the signatures of Polling Unit Agents either absent or also forged.

“Additionally, a forensic examination conducted by a South African graphologist confirmed that the Certified True Copies issued by INEC were predominantly authored by a single individual,” he said

According to him, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, should be investigated  for authorizing the printing of two different result sheets.

“The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State should also be prosecuted for overseeing these fraudulent elections, and the INEC legal officer in Benin who issued the Certified True Copies.

“What transpired in Edo State constitutes a heist orchestrated by an institution that should serve as a guardian of our democratic process. If this institution is compromised, the very foundation of our democracy is at risk.

“We hereby request that the ICPC, in line with its mandate under Section 6(b) of the ICPC Act, 2000, conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations.

“Our organization and its partners are prepared to provide further information and evidence to assist your investigation,” he said.

Speaking with newsmen after the submission of the petition, Obono said the group would also write to the United Kingdom, United States of America, European Union and other foreign donors.

The ICPC Spokesperson, Demola Bakare, said the anti-graft agency will look at the petition and take necessary action that falls within the jurisdiction of the agency

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, faulted the petition, for singled out INEC in the its allegation.

According to him,  the Edo State governorship elections were marred by significant irregularities, some of which were perpetrated by all political parties without exception.

And it would be unfair for the group to single out the Commission as the target of its alleged petition.
He said  that at the moment, the Commission is “functus officio” on the matter.
 ”I am aware that the outcome of the Edo State Governorship election has been challenged in court by those that have the locus to do so.
”Therefore, I cannot comment on a matter that is obviously sub judice,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

General News

ICPC, NUJ join forces against corruption

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By Isaac Aregbesola

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) have joined forces to combat corruption in the country.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, said this at a one-day workshop on effective collaboration in corruption prevention.

The workshop had the theme: “The power of the pen in the fight against corruption”.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together stakeholders from the information and public relations sector to discuss strategies for combating corruption

Aliyu, at the workshop organised  with the support of MacArtur Foundation, emphasised the importance of collective effort in tackling corruption.

According to him, corruption is a complex, deeply entrenched challenge in our society, requiring a multifaceted approach.

He said that the ICPC was dedicated to fulfilling its mandate under the law.

”Information is one of our most potent tools, and this is where the media becomes indispensable.

”The power of the press through investigative journalism, policy analysis, and online advocacy cannot be overstated.

”As we know, the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and driving accountability.

”Investigative journalism exposes corruption, holds public officials accountable, and facilitates transparency,” he said.

He said that the ICPC had long valued its collaboration with the media, partnering on initiatives such as investigative training, radio and television programmes, and tracking anti-corruption projects.

He said that the commission also had a Constituency Executive Projects Tracking Initiative.

”The media’s role in amplifying these efforts is critical to ensuring that public resources are utilised effectively and that projects meet quality specifications.

”The media can also serve as a platform for advocacy, using editorials, blogs, and opinion pieces to raise public awareness about corruption,” he said.

He said that the recent Supreme Court decision granting financial autonomy to local governments presented new opportunities to collaborate in promoting transparency and accountability at the grassroots level.

The NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, pledged the union’s support for the ICPC’s efforts.

According to Isiguzo, journalists have a critical role to play in exposing corruption and promoting accountability.

”Corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to Nigeria’s progress.

”It undermines development, widens inequality, and perpetuates a cycle of poverty and instability.

”As journalists, we hold the power to shine a light on these injustices, to expose the truth, and to advocate for the transparency and accountability that are the bedrock of any functioning democracy.

”Let us wield the power of the pen to bring about the Nigeria that we all deserve, a nation free from the shackles of corruption, where justice and fairness reign supreme,” he said.

He stressed the need for security and protection of Journalists in the discharge of their duty.

”While our role in combating corruption is crucial, we cannot ignore the inherent dangers that come with it.

”The safety and security of journalists must be a top priority if we are to continue this essential work,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Defence/Security

Anti-graft: NAN MD urges ICPC to build trust with journalists

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By Hajara Leman

The Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali Muhammad Ali, has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to be more open to journalists in its anti-corruption crusade.

Ali said this during a one-day roundtable on effective collaboration in corruption prevention, on Monday in Abuja.

The exercise organised by the ICPC in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is supported by MacArtur Foundation.

Represented by Mr Ephraims Sheyin, the Editor-In-Chief of the agency, Ali described openness as part of a broader push for greater accountability in government institutions.

”By allowing journalists better access to information and investigation, the media can play a crucial role in exposing corruption and keeping the public informed,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of fostering trust between the press and anti corruption agencies.

“By being more transparent and open with journalists, the ICPC can help ensure accurate and fair reporting, which in turn strengthens public trust in the institution’s efforts to combat corruption.

“Providing timely and accurate information and regular communication with the press to ensure that journalists have the facts, will reduce the likelihood of misinformation,” he said.

Dr Mohammed Bulama, Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), pledged the readiness of the corporation to take a centre stage in promoting anti corruption work of the commission.

According to Bulama, the FRCN has been repositioned, re-equipped and refocused to effectively play its role of informing and mobilising Nigerians for positive tasks.

He lauded the commission for organising the stakeholders’ meeting, adding that it would bolster the fight against corruption in the country.

Also, Mr Salihu Dembos, Director-General, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), stressed the need for closer collaboration between the media and anti-graft agency in the fight against corruption.

Represented by Mrs Halima Musa, Director, News, NTA, Dembos said the media as the watchdog of the society had a crucial role to play in holding government accountable to the people.

“Good governance is about the wellbeing of the people and society as a whole,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Rabiu Sani-Ali

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