KEY POINTS
-
ICPC recovered N446 billion and froze N142 billion in September.
-
Commission secured three convictions from ongoing corruption cases.
-
Anti-graft outreach reached 41,900 participants nationwide.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced the recovery of over N446 billion in assets and the restraining of N142 billion under forfeiture orders during September, marking one of its strongest monthly performances in recent years. The update was disclosed by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, during the National Joint Security Briefing held in Abuja on Monday.
ICPC recovers N446 billion assets
Issa-Onilu said the anti-graft commission’s intensified enforcement and asset-tracing operations led to the recovery of N446 billion and the restraining of N173 million pending final forfeiture. He described the milestone as “a sign of institutional strength” in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to curb corruption and promote accountability in public service.
According to him, the commission received 19 petitions in September through physical submissions and digital channels. Out of 33 assigned cases, nine were fully investigated, leading to three convictions. “Relevant updates on these cases have been communicated to the appropriate authorities,” he said, adding that the progress reflected stronger coordination between investigative and judicial arms.
Focus on transparency and citizen engagement
The NOA chief said the ICPC held 77 sensitisation workshops and conferences across the country, reaching more than 41,900 participants, including state attorneys-general. The agency also launched corruption risk assessments in key ministries, departments, and agencies and inaugurated eight new Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units to strengthen internal accountability systems, according to Punch.
The commission’s social media outreach recorded 1,650 engagements during the month. It broadcast four new episodes of its “Transparency Files” television programme in English and 27 local-language editions under its WAZOBIA campaign to expand civic awareness. In addition, it released 12 press statements that generated 121 media mentions across mainstream and online outlets.
“These combined efforts reflect ICPC’s sustained commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free Nigeria,” Issa-Onilu said.
Meanwhile, ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu urged faster adjudication of corruption cases to reinforce deterrence. Speaking at a judicial training session in Abuja, Aliyu said courts must ensure that “corruption does not pay and that offenders do not benefit from proceeds of crime.”
