In a determined effort to combat the growing wave of corruption in Katsina State, Chief Judge Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar has instructed the newly established Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission to be thorough and diligent in its operations. During a familiarisation visit by the commission to the Katsina High Court on Thursday, Justice Abubakar emphasized the importance of holding all corrupt individuals accountable, irrespective of their position or influence.
The anti-corruption commission was set up in late 2023 as part of the state’s drive to curb corruption, with its formal inauguration taking place in January 2024. Its mandate is broad and focuses on investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption in the state, particularly among public officials. The establishment of the commission comes at a time when corruption is a widespread concern across Nigeria, affecting governance, service delivery, and public trust.
Justice Abubakar’s message to the anti-corruption agency was unequivocal. He underscored that the commission’s responsibilities included tackling corruption at all levels, even in the highest echelons of government. He pointed out that only the governor and deputy governor have constitutional immunity from prosecution, but this does not extend to their families or close associates.
“There’s corruption all over the land, and you have an additional task of listening to public complaints, particularly against public officials,” said Justice Abubakar. “You have a responsibility to check corruption even if it’s in high places. Probably, only the governor and his deputy have immunity now and not even their families.”
His strong stance reflects the urgent need to address systemic corruption, which continues to hinder development in many parts of Nigeria. Justice Abubakar stressed that no individual or group should be exempt from scrutiny, and that the commission should pursue not just civil servants, but also businesspeople who enable corrupt practices.
“Corruption is a chain. If you don’t support it, it will not go. There are even some businessmen ready to support corrupt government officials—they are all guilty, and you should get them. Do not go after civil servants alone; get contractors who fund wrongdoing. Don’t allow anybody to go scot-free,” he warned.
In a move to expedite corruption cases and ensure proper adjudication, Justice Abubakar announced plans to designate a special court solely for corruption-related trials. This court will be fully equipped with modern technology, including an electronic evidence presentation system, which will streamline the judicial process from the point of arrest through interrogation and the gathering of evidence.
Justice Abubakar explained that one of the biggest obstacles in prosecuting corruption cases is the presentation of evidence in court. Weak or insufficient evidence often allows offenders to evade justice, even in cases where the corruption is evident. By incorporating technology and ensuring that all stages of the investigation are properly documented and supported with digital evidence, the special court aims to close these gaps.
“Our biggest problem before in many cases is evidence presentation in court,” Justice Abubakar noted. “No matter how good a case is, if there is no or weak evidence, you will see a murderer escaping. So, base all your operations on the computer right from the arrest, interrogation, and collection of evidence.”
The establishment of this special court demonstrates a commitment to addressing corruption swiftly and effectively, ensuring that justice is served without unnecessary delays. It also highlights the judiciary’s proactive stance in collaborating with the commission to achieve the shared goal of a corruption-free society.
Justice Abubakar also took the opportunity to address the role of the media in the fight against corruption. He expressed concern that some journalists, either wittingly or unwittingly, might be facilitating corruption by covering up the activities of corrupt officials. He called on the press to act responsibly and to support the commission’s efforts rather than undermine them.
“The journalists have their own part in facilitating corruption, with some covering the corrupt officials for whatever reason. In every profession, there are good and bad eggs. Unless you support the commission, it will not succeed,” he stated.
The Chief Judge’s comments highlight the critical role that the media plays in holding officials accountable and shaping public opinion. A free and responsible press is essential for exposing corruption and ensuring that the public remains informed about the efforts being made to tackle it.
Earlier in the visit, the chairman of the commission, Justice Lawal Garba (Rtd), expressed his gratitude to the Chief Judge for his guidance and support. He acknowledged the vast experience of Justice Abubakar in the judiciary and sought his assistance in helping the commission achieve its mandate. Justice Garba emphasized the need for collaboration between the commission and the judiciary, recognizing that a strong partnership would be key to the commission's success.
“In the whole cadre of the judiciary today in Katsina State, it’s on the record that no judge has started from the grassroots and attained your experience—you started from the magistrate to chief magistrate, to chief registrar, to judge, and to the chief judge,” Justice Garba noted. This recognition of Justice Abubakar’s experience was a sign of respect and admiration for the Chief Judge’s leadership and insight, which the commission hopes to leverage as it moves forward with its anti-corruption efforts.
In addition to the visit to the Chief Judge, the anti-corruption commission also paid a visit to the Katsina State Commissioner for Justice, Fadila Dikko. During this meeting, Commissioner Dikko pledged her full support for the commission's work and assured the delegation that the Ministry of Justice would collaborate closely with the agency.
“Corruption in the country has become deeply entrenched, so you can count on our support,” Commissioner Dikko said. “However, all hands must be on deck to fight corruption. You are all aware that the commission is under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice, so we are partners.”
Her remarks underscored the importance of an all-inclusive approach to fighting corruption, where various arms of government work together to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, and corrupt individuals are brought to justice.
The establishment of the Katsina State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission represents a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to tackle corruption. The commission’s mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, coupled with the support of the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice, provides a robust framework for addressing the problem at its root.
As the commission begins its work, it will undoubtedly face challenges, particularly in overcoming entrenched systems of corruption and navigating the complexities of the judicial process. However, with the backing of key figures like Chief Judge Justice Abubakar and Commissioner Dikko, the commission is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact.
The message from the Chief Judge was clear: no one, regardless of their status or connections, should be allowed to escape justice if they are found to be involved in corrupt practices. With a dedicated anti-corruption court, the use of modern technology, and a collaborative approach with other government bodies, Katsina State is setting a strong example of how to combat corruption effectively.
As Nigeria continues its fight against corruption, the efforts being made in Katsina State could serve as a model for other states to follow, demonstrating that with the right tools, leadership, and commitment, corruption can be defeated.
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