The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Nigerians against celebrating convicted corrupt individuals, saying the practice undermines the country’s anti-corruption efforts.
Nasir Salele, head of legal department, EFCC Kaduna zonal directorate, spoke at a one-day capacity-building workshop for media practitioners and civil society organisations in Kaduna.
Salele expressed concern that communities often glorify individuals convicted of corruption instead of condemning their actions.
He said he had “seen instances where local people from their villages come to court, and instead of supporting the prosecution, they do the opposite”.
Salele said some supporters even protest naked in favour of individuals facing corruption charges.
“There was a case in Nigeria well-known and on record where an individual was investigated, prosecuted, found guilty, convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
“After he completed the imprisonment, the entire community came out to celebrate and welcome him back as their son. Ideally, the community ought to have detested him,” Salele stated.
He described the situation as “the unfortunate reality in Nigeria,” where individuals in authority “amass money without explanation, and instead of being questioned, he is given a traditional title”.
Salele said the attitude often leaves prosecutors wrongly perceived as “enemies”.
Declaring the workshop open, Bawa Usman Kaltungo, acting zonal director, EFCC Kaduna directorate, spoke on behalf of the executive chairman.
Kaltungo said the media and civil society organisations are “critical drivers of change in the fight against the menace of corruption”.
Also speaking, Tony Orilade, head of public interface, EFCC headquarters, criticised the culture of glorifying corrupt individuals.
Orilade said some Nigerians “can even do asoebi in support of such individuals,” adding that Nigeria must be protected from corrupt individuals and fraudsters.
