Eric Ikhilae, Abuja
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami has said the Federal Government’s anti-corruption efforts were not discriminatory but aimed at curbing impunity in the land.
Malami, who spoke in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with journalists, declined to comment on report that his immediate past predecessor, Mohammed Adoke, held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), had been released and was back in Nigeria.
He commended the Judiciary for its contributions to the sustainable of democracy and national development.
Malami was particularly impressed with the Judiciary’s speedy handling of election cases during this year’s post-election litigation season and the attention being accorded high profile corruption cases.
“Our fight against corruption is total, comprehensive and dispassionate devoid of any political or ethnic sentiments or inclination.
“One of the multiple institutions involved in the fight against corruption, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), was able to, from 2015 to September 2019 convict 1, 636 persons involved in corruption related offences.
“It might interest you to note that former state Governors and even serving senators are not spared. Currently, high profile personalities including judicial officers and former governors indicted for corruption have been prosecuted and many sentenced to jail.
“We have three former Governors convicted and serving various jail terms for corruption-related crimes while in office.
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“Equally, 22 ex-governors are either under probe or on trial. The Whistle-blowing Policy is also well implemented and has yielded lots of recoveries of stolen assets in Nigeria,” Malami said.
When asked to confirm whether or not Adoke has been freed by the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and what the government’s next steps would be, Malami said he could not comment on the issue.
He said there were many cases pending in court in relation to his predecessor and that it would be unfair for him to comment now.
Malami also said he has not been officially briefed on whether or not Adoke has arrived Nigeria and what the Federal Government was planning on the issue.
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