NIGERIAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS LOOSE, PAMPERS CORRUPT LEADERS WHO SHOULD BE IMPRISONED FOR LIFE — ICAN President

The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Davidson Alaribe, in an interview with Punch correspondent Johnson Idowu, shared his thoughts on the state of Nigeria’s judicial system and other pressing issues affecting the country.

Alaribe stated:

“Our judicial system, particularly regarding punishment for fraud and corruption, is very loose. All one needs to do is steal billions of naira and use a fraction of the stolen funds to hire a legal defense team. If we reform the system and establish a special court to handle fraud cases, corruption will significantly reduce, if not disappear entirely.

“In China, individuals caught in acts of corruption face the death penalty, and we are advocating for similarly strict measures. Even if we do not adopt the death penalty, sentencing corrupt individuals to life imprisonment through a specialized anti-corruption court is essential. This should be separate from the regular courts, where cases are often struck out on technical grounds.

“Corruption cases in Nigeria only attract attention during the trial week. Once bail is granted, the accused person returns to their community, often to receive chieftaincy titles and public adulation. That is usually the end of the matter. Numerous cases involving former governors and public officeholders have dragged on for five, six, or even seven years without resolution.

“We need a special court to handle fraud cases, with punishments ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty by firing squad. These cases should be resolved within a maximum of three years.

“The current system, where everyone goes through the same court process, is ineffective. In many cases, once bail is granted, the matter is essentially forgotten. This culture allows corruption to thrive. While people commit theft in other countries, the amounts are often minimal because they fear the consequences. In Nigeria, however, individuals steal massive sums and then use those funds to fight the system.

“If we can change the narrative by introducing a specialized court for corrupt practices, we will see a transformation.

“Above all, prevention is better than cure. Nigerians and all stakeholders must take responsibility for educating people about the importance of integrity. A good name is indeed better than silver and gold.