ICPC chair: I’ll be appearing in court to defend our cases

Aliyu Musa, chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), says he will be appearing in court to defend cases involving the commission.

Musa spoke on Wednesday during a media chat with journalists in Abuja.

“I’ll lead by example. By the grace of God, I intend to be appearing in cases of ICPC (in court),” Musa said.

“I don’t think there was ever a chairman of ICPC who appeared in court.

“I am deeply committed to realising a vision for Nigeria where the principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency are not mere ideals but are deeply woven into the very fabric of our society.”

Musa said the fight against corruption requires a “collaborative, multi-sectoral approach, transcending the capabilities of any single entity”.

He said his administration will engage diverse stakeholders — the media, civil society, the private sector, and international partners — to pool perspectives, expertise, and resources.

“In line with this commitment, the ICPC is actively enhancing inter-agency cooperation. A recent example of this is our recent visit to the EFCC,” he added. 

“By uniting forces and sharing resources, we aim to intensify our collective fight against corruption, paving the way for a more transparent and accountable Nigeria.

“Innovation is key in our ongoing battle against corruption. We are in an era where technology has revolutionised the way we live and work. As such, the ICPC is committed to integrating innovative approaches and cutting-edge technology into our operational framework.

“From leveraging data analytics for efficient resource management to employing advanced digital tools for effective corruption detection, technology will be at the forefront of our strategies.”

Musa said the ICPC’s threefold strategy is prevention, investigation and prosecution which forms the bedrock of the commission’s action plan against corruption.

“Prevention is our first line of defence. We are dedicated to instilling a culture of ethics and integrity within our public service,” he said. 

“By enhancing institutional transparency and accountability, we aim to create an environment where corruption finds no fertile ground to thrive.

“Our focus extends to capacity building, ensuring that our institutions and personnel are equipped to uphold the highest standards of conduct.

“In the area of investigation, our commitment is unwavering. We will fortify our internal control systems and uphold strict ethical standards. The ICPC will utilise advanced technological tools to detect and thoroughly examine corruption cases.

“Lastly, in terms of prosecution, we are determined to ensure that justice is not just done, but seen to be done. Strengthening our legal and regulatory frameworks will be paramount to support robust prosecutions.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure the efficient legal processing and adjudication of corruption cases, maintaining a solid legal foundation for accountability.”

The ICPC chair added that he does not believe in the establishment of special courts for corruption cases.

Musa was the attorney-general of Jigawa state before his appointment as ICPC chair by President Bola Tinubu on October 17, 2023. He was confirmed by the senate on October 26.