The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned Nigerians against the growing practice of celebrating individuals convicted of corruption, describing it as a major setback to the country’s anti-corruption campaign.
The warning was issued by Nasir Salele, Head of the Legal Department at the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate, during a one-day capacity-building workshop for media practitioners and civil society organisations (CSOs) held in Kaduna. He expressed concern that some communities openly glorify convicted persons instead of condemning corrupt conduct.
According to Salele, there have been instances where community members troop to courtrooms not to support the course of justice but to openly defend those standing trial for corruption-related offences. He noted that, in extreme cases, supporters have staged protests in defence of accused persons.
He cited a notable case where an individual was investigated, prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced to prison, only to be celebrated by his community upon completing his jail term.
“Ideally, the community ought to have detested him, but instead he was welcomed and celebrated as a hero,” Salele said.
He described the trend as a troubling reflection of societal values, adding that individuals who suddenly amass unexplained wealth are often rewarded with traditional titles rather than questioned. This, he said, frequently results in prosecutors and investigators being wrongly branded as enemies for carrying out their lawful responsibilities.
Media, CSOs hailed as partners in anti-corruption drive
Declaring the workshop open, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kaduna Directorate, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, speaking on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, praised the media and CSOs for their critical role in promoting accountability.
Kaltungo noted that journalists help expose corruption by “illuminating dark corners where abuse of office, fraud, and suspicious financial activities thrive.” He added that several major EFCC successes were achieved through credible information provided by the media and civil society groups.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to stronger collaboration, stressing that the fight against corruption requires collective national effort.
Also speaking, ACE I Tony Orilade, Head of Public Interface at EFCC headquarters, criticised the culture of public displays of support for corrupt individuals, noting that some Nigerians even organise coordinated outfits to show solidarity with them.
Similarly, Zainab Sani Ahmed, Head of Public Relations at the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Directorate, called on journalists to intensify public awareness campaigns and encourage citizens to actively support the anti-corruption fight.
The EFCC urged Nigerians to reject the glorification of corruption and instead promote values of integrity, accountability, and justice.
Source:Africa Publicity
