On INSIDE SOURCES, ICPC Chair harps on passage or unexplained wealth bill
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Unexplained Wealth Bill, stressing that the legislation is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight. Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV on Friday, Dr. Aliyu […]
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Unexplained Wealth Bill, stressing that the legislation is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV on Friday, Dr. Aliyu emphasized that without the bill, anti-graft agencies like the ICPC face significant challenges in tracking and prosecuting individuals who acquire wealth beyond their legitimate means.
“I’m of the opinion that we need the Unexplained Wealth Bill to be passed. Why? Because, if you do not pass that bill, there are some issues around how people are acquiring wealth beyond their legitimate means. Because now, if you go to court, you have to prove. And, it will be difficult for an anti-corruption agency. If we know the source of income, we can track it. But, if there is no law, it will be very much difficult,” he said.
According to him, the absence of a legal framework on unexplained wealth often hinders investigations, as the burden of proof currently rests heavily on anti-corruption agencies. He explained:
“That is why we will go for this issue of civil forfeiture. Sometimes we find it very difficult to establish because of the burden of proof on us. And when you look at the UN Convention against Corruption, you will see that there is spirit in those instruments that countries need to pass a law of unexplained wealth. That is how you will deprive people from getting illicit wealth. In this thing [the unexplained wealth law], the burden of proof is on the respondent.”
Dr. Aliyu cited examples from other African countries where such laws have been effectively implemented. “I will give you example in one of the African countries. The way they do it is: they will call a chartered accountant and ask him to make a net worth analysis. When they finish, they will call the person. Now, if you cannot explain, then they will take you to court. Now, here it is difficult,” he explained.
The ICPC Chairman maintained that Nigeria must adopt a similar approach if it truly intends to curb corruption and illicit financial practices. He reiterated: “The Unexplained Wealth Bill needs to be passed to help in the fight against corruption.”
Dr. Aliyu also pointed out that there are already some lawmakers who support the bill but noted that legislative hurdles have slowed its progress. “There are some members of the National Assembly, to be candid, that wants it to be passed. But, there are challenges around that. There is also the Whistle Blower Bill that needs to be passed,” he added.
Analysts believe that passing the Unexplained Wealth Bill, alongside the Whistle Blower Bill, could provide Nigeria’s anti-graft institutions with stronger legal tools to detect, investigate, and recover assets obtained through illicit means.