In Nigeria, corruption is a pervasive issue, particularly in tax and revenue collection and Administration. State officials and private actors collude to undermine government functions, soliciting bribes and embezzling funds. This culture of impunity has led to numerous high-profile cases of embezzlement among politicians.
It is not uncommon in Nigeria to see corrupt Senators, Governors, Presidents and Civil Servants attributing the disapperance of our Commonwealth to Snakes bite or rodents infestations.
A retrospection on a Nigerian sales clerk, Philomena Chieshe, who was suspended after telling auditors that a snake had eaten 36m naira ($100,000 or ÂŁ72,250) from the office where she worked is a sad reality. The incident was ridiculed on social media, with some questioning how a snake could consume such a large amount of money.
A Twitter account was even set up for the snake. The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board, where Chieshe worked, dismissed her claim and started disciplinary proceedings.
Suffice to mention was the case of a Nigerian senator who made headlines for a rather unusual excuse, claiming that monkeys stole approximately $194,600 (70 million naira) from a farmhouse.
This incident sparked widespread ridicule on social media, with many questioning the plausibility of the senator’s story.
The senator’s claim was part of a larger pattern of creative excuses used to explain missing funds in Nigeria.
Excruciatingly, the endless list of Senators, Governors and High ranking Civil Servants who are enmeshed in this devastating and heart-wrenching practice leaves much to be desired.
Ekweremadu’s case
One notable example is Ike Ekweremadu, a former senator, who was sentenced to 9 years and 8 months in prison in the UK for conspiring to traffic a young man for organ harvesting. His wife, Beatrice, received 4 years and 6 months, while Dr. Obinna Obeta, an accomplice, got 10 years. Their daughter, Sonia, was acquitted.
Ekweremadu’s case involved exploiting a vulnerable victim from Nigeria, who was brought to the UK under false pretenses to harvest his kidney for Sonia’s benefit. The Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service worked together to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Joshua Dariye’s Case
- Served as Plateau State governor and later as a senator in 2018
- Arrested in London in 2004 with large sums of money, accused of stealing $9 million in public funds and money laundering
- Sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2018 for criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of funds, later reduced to 10 years on appeal
What do we say then on James Ibori, former Governor of Nigeria’s Delta State, pleaded guilty to stealing ÂŁ50 million from the Nigerian state and its people. However, prosecutors believe he actually stole around $250 million during his tenure. Here’s a summary of his assets confiscated:
– *Properties:*
– ÂŁ2.2 million house in Hampstead, London
– ÂŁ311,000 property in Shaftesbury, Dorset
– ÂŁ3.2 million mansion in Sandton, South Africa
– Six properties in London
– Properties in Washington, Houston, and Johannesburg
– *Vehicles:*
– Fleet of armored Range Rovers valued at ÂŁ600,000
– ÂŁ120,000 Bentley Continental GT
– Mercedes-Benz Maybach 62 purchased for €407,000 cash
– Jaguar
– *Other Assets:*
– ÂŁ20 million Bombardier private jet (attempted purchase)
– Elite private schooling for his children in the UK
Additionally, his associates also had assets confiscated, including:
– *Udomaka Onuigbo (Ibori’s mistress):* ÂŁ2.6 million
– *Theresa Ibori (Ibori’s wife):* ÂŁ3.5 million
– *Christine Ibori Ibe (Ibori’s sister):* ÂŁ629,417
– *Lambertus De Boer (corporate financier):* ÂŁ45,000
– *Bhadresh Gohil (lawyer):* ÂŁ30.8 million (confiscation proceedings ongoing)
– *Elias Nimoh Preko (former Goldman Sachs banker):* ÂŁ7.3 million
While there may be other cases, this high-profile conviction demonstrates that Nigerian politicians can face consequences abroad for their actions.
When will the hen come to roost on Thieves at the corridors of powers on the Nigerian soil? When will corporate thieves be brought to book and made to face consequences of their acts in Nigeria?
- Sani Abacha: Late military dictator, accused of embezzling billions of dollars during his regime would go down in history as one man who took Nigeria to the cleaners with his attendants day light robbery of our Commonwealth and who, till today, though dead, is still paying back some of the looted funds.
Will I or anyone else name his child Abacha? What readily comes to mind?
Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s former President, has indeed been accused of embezzling funds meant for the purchase of arms to fight Boko Haram. Despite these allegations, he is walking free and receiving accolades.
In fact, he won the Sunhak Peace Award 2025. One only need to ask whether the award was given to Mr. Jonathan as a result of his demeanor or whether cash exchanged hands. How can he walk the street a decorated man with corruption case hanging loosely on his neck?
Selective Justice?
While high-profile individuals often escape punishment, ordinary Nigerians face harsh penalties for minor crimes.
For instance, Segun Olowookere, a 17-year-old boy, was sentenced to death by hanging in 2014 for allegedly stealing fowls and eggs in 2010. The Osun State High Court convicted him and his accomplice, Morakinyo Sunday, of conspiracy, robbery, and stealing. However, Segun’s parents maintained that their son couldn’t have committed the crime since he never ate chicken.
Recently, a viral podcast interview featuring Segun’s parents sparked public sympathy, prompting Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to order a full investigation into the case. The governor also directed the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes for granting Segun pardon, potentially allowing him to regain his freedom before the end of the year.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, though a Politician and Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, accused of embezzling billions of dollars from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and currently facing several charges in Nigerian Courts. There were insinuations in various quarters that Alison Madueke was made to go through the ordeal because she could not play the usual game despite being a former minister or that she apparently stepped on toes of her political godfather.
Otherwise, she would have joined the list of a ocean of others gallivanting around in exquisite automobiles while ordinary Nigerians with less, irrelevant cases languish behind bars.
Ike Ekweremadu*: Former senator, sentenced to 9 years and 8 months in prison for conspiring to traffic a young man for organ harvesting in the UK.
Again, if Ekweremadu were tried in Nigeria, the Nigerian law would have been arm twisted and our law would have had a face so much to have recognized he was a Deputy Senate President who should enjoy certain privilege with the law. The laws of the land would have been brazenly told to send to prison or kill instead the young man. After all, it was Ekweremadu’s daughter who should be pitied and rallied around!
The Need for Accountability
To address corruption, Nigeria’s government should:
- Strengthen institutions: Ensure independent and effective institutions for investigating corruption.
- Promote transparency: Increase transparency in government dealings and financial transactions.
- Uphold the rule of law: Apply the law equally to all, regardless of social status or political connections.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged that 58 former governors embezzled approximately N2.187 trillion over 25 years. This amount doesn’t include seized properties worldwide or those under investigation.
The Nigerian government must prioritize its citizens’ needs and ensure the economy serves their interests. To achieve this, stringent laws with severe repercussions should be enacted to hold those in power accountable for their actions. Politicians who embezzle funds or engage in corrupt practices should face the full weight of the law, regardless of their position or influence.
Strengthening institutions is crucial to maintaining Nigeria’s “giant of Africa” status. This involves promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. By doing so, Nigeria can protect and defend its citizens, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
Key Reforms to Implement:
- Strengthen Anti-Corruption Laws: Enact laws that impose harsh penalties on corrupt officials, ensuring they are held accountable for their actions.
- Promote Transparency: Increase transparency in government dealings and financial transactions to prevent embezzlement and corruption.
- Empower Citizens: Educate and empower citizens to participate in the governance process, holding leaders accountable for their actions.
Bringing Politicians to Book
To maintain the trust of its citizens, Nigeria’s government must demonstrate a commitment to accountability. This involves investigating and prosecuting high-profile cases of corruption, regardless of the individual’s status or position.
The phrase “when the chickens come home to roost” refers to the inevitable consequences of one’s actions. In Nigeria’s context, it signifies the anticipated day when corrupt government officials and politicians will face justice for their embezzlement and abuse of power.
Nigeria’s government must prioritize its citizens’ needs and ensure accountability in governance. By strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and holding politicians accountable, Nigeria can maintain its “giant of Africa” status and protect its citizens’ interests.
The chickens of Nigeria’s corrupt politicians Must Be Brought Home to Roost!
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