The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has described 2025 as a defining year in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, following unprecedented recoveries and expanded enforcement actions. In its 2025 annual report, the Commission announced the recovery of ₦37.44 billion and $2.353 million through asset seizures and forfeitures—one of the largest hauls in its history.
Speaking at the Commission’s End-of-Year Engagement, Send-Forth for Retiring Staff, and Annual Merit Awards Ceremony held in Abuja on December 14, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), said the achievements reflect renewed resolve across enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment.
The Latest Report
According to the report, the ICPC investigated 263 cases in 2025, surpassing its annual target of 250. Out of these, 61 cases were filed in court, resulting in a conviction rate of 55.74 per cent.
Dr. Aliyu noted that the asset recoveries were driven largely by high-impact forfeitures, representing a significant increase from the over ₦20 billion recovered in 2024.
Last year’s recoveries also included proceeds from the auction of 23 forfeited assets valued at ₦1.87 billion.
Beyond enforcement, the Commission intensified its preventive work across the public sector. Preventive assessments were carried out in 344 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) using the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard.
In addition, the ICPC conducted 66 corruption-monitoring exercises, tracked 1,490 projects nationwide, and completed Systems Study and Corruption Risk Assessments in 12 MDAs to address structural weaknesses.
Public enlightenment remained a key focus, with 644 sensitisation programmes reaching more than 235,000 Nigerians and generating about 3.5 million digital engagements.
The Commission also established 86 Anti-Corruption Clubs and Vanguards, trained 2,707 participants at its Academy, and launched 15 collaborative initiatives with partners, while civil society organisations contributed 57 complementary engagements.
The High Profile convictions and ongoing probe
A major highlight of the 2025 report was the securing of high-profile convictions and the advancement of several landmark corruption cases.
Among the most prominent was the conviction of Professor Cyril Ndifon, former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, who was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for offences linked to sexual harassment and cyberbullying.
Dr. Aliyu described the judgment as a strong signal of the Commission’s determination to confront abuse of office in all sectors, including academia.
The report also detailed ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving several high-ranking public figures.
Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, remains under investigation over alleged $20 billion fraud, with efforts continuing to forfeit assets traced to the United States, including luxury properties and a superyacht.
Former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is facing multiple corruption-related charges in courts in Lagos and Abuja, involving alleged unauthorised financial allocations running into billions of naira.
Other notable cases include the prosecution of former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, over the alleged $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project scam, and former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who is facing graft-related allegations.
Several former governors—Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Theodore Orji (Abia), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), are also standing trial or under investigation for alleged large-scale fraud and money laundering involving tens of billions of naira.
In Plateau State, former Governor Jonah David Jang is reportedly wanted by the ICPC for allegedly evading interrogation over a ₦5.6 billion diversion case.
The report further revealed investigations involving military retirees, including Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin and former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum, who are accused of diverting public funds through 92 alleged shell companies.
Many of these cases are being pursued alongside the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), reflecting a strategy focused on high-impact prosecutions.
Implications for Governance
The size of the funds recovered and the prominence of those facing investigation highlight a significant shift in governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Analysts note that these outcomes send a clear message that no public office is beyond scrutiny, irrespective of rank, influence, or sector.
The successful prosecution of senior officials and professionals reflects a declining tolerance for impunity and is likely to discourage abuse of office, particularly within the public service.
However, the report also highlights the depth of systemic corruption, particularly in sectors involving large public expenditures such as energy, infrastructure, finance, and defence.
While recoveries strengthen public finances, experts note that corruption prevention remains critical, as funds lost to graft often translate into delayed projects, poor service delivery, and weakened public confidence in institutions.
Civil society groups have welcomed the increased transparency reflected in the report, but stress that sustained convictions, timely trials, and consistent asset recovery are essential to restoring trust and ensuring long-term impact.
The Way Forward
Looking ahead to 2026, the ICPC says it will deepen its focus on prevention, institutional reforms, and strategic partnerships. Dr. Aliyu urged staff to uphold ethical conduct, professionalism, and unity of purpose, while calling for stronger inter-agency collaboration to fast-track prosecutions and asset forfeiture processes.
Stakeholders have also called for enhanced judicial efficiency, improved whistleblower protection, and expanded use of technology in tracking public spending.
Strengthening public awareness, particularly at the grassroots level, is expected to remain central to the Commission’s strategy, alongside continuous engagement with MDAs to close corruption-prone loopholes.
Amid Nigeria’s ongoing challenges with corruption, the 2025 ICPC report highlights progress while reminding that sustained political will, independent institutions, and active citizen involvement remain crucial in the fight against graft.
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