….Urges More Concerted Efforts To Fight Corruption
Capitalwatchmedia
by Cecilia ogezi
The National President of Almushahid Initiative for Transparency and Accountability(AITA), Amb. Aminu Majidadi has expressed concern over the current state of high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria.
Stressing the need for conserted efforts by investigative agencies on these cases.
He said “The arrest of Bada in September is a necessary step, but it underscores the need for our security services and judiciary to wake up from their slumber. The delays and inconsistencies in handling cases of this magnitude hinder progress in the fight against corruption.” He further emphasized the importance of swift legal processes, warning that the current lethargy risks undermining public trust in the institutions responsible for justice and transparency.
“The arrest of Bada is seen as part of a broader crackdown on officials linked to el-Rufai’s administration. With increasing calls for accountability, observers are questioning whether more high-profile figures will soon be implicated.
Meanwhile, el-Rufai himself is locked in a legal battle against the Kaduna State House of Assembly, filing a suit challenging the allegations of financial impropriety leveled against his administration.”
As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies and judicial system, with growing expectations that these institutions must step up their efforts to ensure justice is served.
He noted that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has intensified its efforts to address corruption, leading to the recent arrest of Shizzer Joy Nasara Bada, a former Commissioner of Finance and Accountant General in Kaduna State under Nasir el-Rufai’s administration.
Bada was detained at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos in September while attempting to leave the country.
According to him, the arrest follows heightened concerns over a potential flight to evade justice as investigations into financial mismanagement during el-Rufai’s administration deepen. Sources indicate that the ICPC had been monitoring Bada’s movements, acting on intelligence reports of her possible attempt to escape amidst mounting allegations.
He added that the former governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has already faced severe scrutiny, with the Kaduna State House of Assembly accusing him of siphoning over N423 billion from the state’s coffers. While Bada’s specific charges remain undisclosed, speculations abound regarding large-scale financial misconduct and misappropriation of public funds.
He reiterated that more needs to be done adding that the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has also long been embroiled in corruption allegations that have raised concerns about the efficacy of the justice system. His case, much like others involving high-profile political figures in Nigeria, has been met with delays, fueling public frustration and speculation.
The ambassador said “the central question remains, why has Yahaya Bello not been arrested, and why is the case dragging on? Is this a reflection of systemic failures, or does it suggest that some individuals are indeed above the law?”
Majidadi further stated that going after El-rufai and leaving Yahaya Bello could be perceived as grudge against Elrufai who on appointment as minister withdrew from joining president Tinubu’s Cabinet.
He further urged that it is imperative to bring all offenders to justice for the common good of the society and the fight against corruption as it will deter others from commiting such crimes.
