The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained that the perceived delay in prosecuting some high-profile corruption cases is due to the time required to gather credible and admissible evidence.
The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, said arraigning politically exposed persons and suspects in major public corruption cases demands thorough investigations, especially where assets and funds are traced across borders.
Olukoyede made this known during an interview on Sunday Politics aired on Channels Television.
Addressing public concerns over delays, the EFCC boss said the timeline for prosecuting cybercrime cases differs significantly from that of high-profile corruption matters.
He said, “In 48 hours, I can investigate and arraign a cybercriminal. It is just a matter of getting the devices and all that, and I am done.
“But when it comes to politically-exposed persons or public corruption or high-profile corruption, it takes time, and I can’t go to court when I am not ready.”
According to him, the duration it takes some cases to reach court does not mean the commission is inactive or shielding suspects.
Olukoyede also dismissed allegations that the anti-graft agency selectively targets members of the opposition while shielding powerful individuals.
During the interview, he described such claims as false and inconsistent with the mandate of the commission.
He cited the case involving a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who had alleged political persecution.
“Let me tell you about that particular former attorney-general that you are talking about, there is nothing personal in this matter,” Olukoyede said.
The EFCC chairman stressed that the fight against corruption must be carried out without political considerations if Nigeria is to make progress.
“If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan, and that’s what I want Nigerians to understand and to agree with us,” he added.