Opinion
By Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
RIGHT across the length and breath of the country, there are echoes and wailing of children who can’t find foods to eat and the children are roaming the major highways and traffic stops to beg for foods to eat and survive. Millions of children who attend public schools both in the States and in the federal capital territory, are educated under derelict and devastated housing infrastructures even as their teachers are paid peanuts and aren’t motivated.
In Abuja, primary schools were shut down because for months the Area councils failed to meet the funding obligations to these schools that are critical to the early formation of our children.
The mindless corruption in the 6 Area councils of the FCT is responsible for the near collapse of the educational sector in the 6 area councils including Abuja municipal whereby we still find pupils learning under trees because their classrooms are dilapidated. Children trek to and from their schools under the rains and hot weather of Abuja. There are poor transportation arrangements for these students in public school system.
This is shameful. It is shameful because the political office holders educate their own children in Europe and America and media publications often carry photographs depicting the graduation ceremonies of these children of rich and corrupt political office holders in contemporary Nigeria.
There are millions of women and their babies who have no money to visit the general hospitals or nearby health centres when commonly treatable diseases like Malaria fever and even headache afflicts them. The truth is that for hundreds of thousands of communities all across the country, there are no functional primary healthcare centres. Where you find primary healthcare centres, you can’t find qualified medical workers to attend to the rural populations and the lack of these trained medical manpower has resulted in many avoidable deaths. The statistics are expanding.
But all these developmental challenges are connected by one factor which is inevitably the fundamental cause of them: Public office holders Corruption in government offices.
The truth is that a significant portions of the persons engaged by government to manage and govern these agencies of government are mismanaging and ruining these government agencies through corruption and diversion of public assets to their private uses. To tell you the fact: corruption is still a big deal and indeed corruption and economic crimes are the biggest drawbacks to societal development and these social crimes are the reason that the majority of the country’s population face excruciating economic hardships daily. I met a big man in the All Progressives Congress who confessed to me that he is in office to loot huge money because he has sworn never to leave government broke. He dismissed any fear of EFCC or ICPC arresting or prosecuting him. These top official of APC are amongst the National ifficers of the ruling party who got big, juicy appointments to manage Federal Government agencies and even the federal universities. For these persons, especially the one I discussed with, appointments into public offices are opportunities to escape the poverty trap. Majority of the political elite come from very poor backgrounds but climbed to big money lifestyle through corruption in government.
The poverty rate has escalated in the country to such an abysmal levels that we now find kids as young as 6 roam the streets during school hours in search of what to eat and the system of governmental interventions through institutionalised welfare system to give succour and reliefs to these indigent citizens have long collapsed. Nigeria’s welfare system is down. Children who are left to roam the streets remain highly vulnerable and the government has abdicated her duty of care for these millions of poverty stricken citizens. Rape cases are high but the judiciary and the investigative mechanisms are too weak or compromised by corruption.
A look at the profiles of those convicted of corruption in just three years, demonstrates the deadly consequences of corruption and shows how deeply rooted corruption has become. This writer has made a ompilation of 12 Corruption Convictions by Nigerian Courts (May 2023 – May 2026) and these are shocking. They are as follows:
1.Chukwunyere Nwabuoku – Ex-Acting Accountant-General
Court: Federal High Court, Abuja Convicted: 2025:
Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku served as Acting Accountant-General of the Federation in 2022 after Ahmed Idris was suspended. He was later arraigned on Jan 15, 2025 on 9 amended counts of money laundering.
The EFCC accused him of diverting N868.46 million meant for security and defence while he was Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019-2021.
Justice James Omotosho held that EFCC proved the 9-count charge beyond reasonable doubt. The judge described diverting defence funds as “appalling”.
He was convicted on all 9 counts and sentenced to 8 years per count, totalling 72 years. The judge ordered the terms to run concurrently.
Evidence showed Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded over N200 million during investigation. He was admitted to N500 million bail with two sureties after arraignment.
Sources: Daily Trust; BusinessDay
2.Saleh Mamman – Former Minister of Power
Court: Federal High Court, Abuja Convicted: May 2026
Saleh Mamman, power minister from 2015-2021 under Buhari, was found guilty on 12 counts related to diversion of funds for Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
The EFCC proved he and associates diverted at least N22 billion of N33.8 billion meant for electricity projects. Proxy companies were used to siphon money.
He was sentenced in absentia to 75 years after failing to appear in court. Terms run consecutively across the 12 charges
EFCC arrested him in Kaduna a week after conviction following weeks of surveillance. He had gone into hiding after the Abuja court verdict.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said serving the jail term was “extremely important” to show seriousness against corruption.
Sources: MyJoyOnline; Punch
3.Hassan Abdullahi – NSCDC Superintendent
Court: FCT High Court, Gudu, Abuja | Convicted: ∼2024
Abdullahi, a Superintendent in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, was convicted by ICPC for certificate forgery and corrupt advantage.
He presented a forged NCE certificate from Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu, to NSCDC in Dec 2010 for career advancement.
Justice E. Okpe sentenced him to 2 years or N2 million fine for forgery under Penal Code.
On the second count, he was jailed 5 years without option of fine for using the forged certificate to receive salaries/benefits of Senior Inspector rank from Dec 2011-Oct 2022.
The court ordered refund of all salaries and allowances received fraudulently under Section 321 ACJA 2015.
Sources: Sahara Reporters; Tribune Online
4.Garuba Mohammed Duku – Retired FCTA Director
Court: Federal High Court, Abuja | Convicted: ∼2024
Duku, retired Director of Finance and Admin at Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, FCTA, was convicted for corruption and money laundering involving N318.25 million.
ICPC investigations showed he diverted AMMC funds between 2012-2013 into his personal Fidelity Bank account through multiple payments: N56.25m, N71m, N53m, N54m, N46m, N36.3m.
He transferred the money to Bureau de Change operators and spent it on unauthorized purposes. His claim that funds went to superiors had no evidence.
Justice James Omotosho found him guilty on 6 counts in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022 and sentenced him to 24 years imprisonment.
The judgment was based on evidence and witness testimonies proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Sources: ICPC Official; BusinessDay
5.Robert Orya – Ex-NEXIM Bank MD
Court: FCT High Court, Abuja | Convicted: Feb 5, 2025
Robert Orya, former Managing Director of Nigerian Export-Import Bank, was convicted for N2.4 billion fraud.
EFCC prosecuted him on 49 counts bordering on fraud and abuse of office.
Justice F.E. Messiri sentenced him to 10 years on each of the 49 counts.
The cumulative sentence totals 490 years imprisonment.
The conviction sparked wide discussion on X, with Nigerians reacting to the landmark judgment.
Sources: Vanguard; EFCC via Tribune
6.Yusuf Temilade + 2 Others – NASU Union Officials
Court: Supreme Court of Nigeria | Convicted: 2025/2026
Yusuf Temilade, Adeyemi Alaba Samuel, and Amuludun Tosin were NASU executives at Tai Solarin College of Education, Ogun State. They managed union funds as Chairman, Secretary, and Acting Treasurer.
In 2011, NASU got a N68 million bank loan for staff disbursement requiring Provost/Registrar authentication.
ICPC found they diverted funds, drew excess amounts, and paid non-staff. They were charged with conspiracy and abuse of office under Corrupt Practices Act.
After over a decade of litigation, the Supreme Court affirmed their conviction and dismissed the appeal for lacking merit.
This ended a protracted case that passed through Ogun High Court and Court of Appeal, Ibadan.
Sources: ICPC Press Release 2025/2026; Supreme Court judgment SC.123/2026
7.Mohammad Suleiman Kumo – Magistrate
Court: Gombe State High Court | Convicted: May 5, 2026
Kumo, a Chief Magistrate at Pantami, Gombe, was convicted by EFCC for N1 million bribery.
He received N1m through a Zenith Bank account of a court registrar on Nov 6, 2024 while acting as magistrate.
He changed his plea from “not guilty” to “guilty” during resumed hearing May 5, 2026.
Justice H.H. Kereng sentenced him to 2 years 6 months imprisonment. The act contravened Section 10(a)(i)(ii) of Corrupt Practices Act.
His preliminary objection claiming only Judicial Service Commission could try him was rejected on Feb 17, 2026.
Sources: BusinessDay; EFCC Gombe Zonal Directorate statement May 5, 2026
8. 23 Chinese Nationals – Cyberterrorism/Internet Fraud
Court: Federal High Court, Lagos | Convicted: Dec 2024
23 Chinese nationals were convicted for cyberterrorism and internet fraud after EFCC arrest on Dec 10, 2024.
Each was arraigned on one count of accessing computer systems to destabilize Nigeria’s economy and social structure.
They initially pleaded not guilty but changed to guilty during trial after plea bargain agreements.
Judges Osiagor, Faji and Dipeolu sentenced each to 1 year from date of arrest + N1 million fine.
The court ordered Nigerian Immigration Service to repatriate them within 7 days of completing sentence and forfeited phones, laptops, routers to government.
Sources: EFCC Newsroom Dec 2024; Federal High Court Lagos judgment
9. Three Men – Internet Fraud at Obasanjo Library
Court: Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos | Convicted: Aug 2025
Oyatokun Damilola Qudus, Adenekan Adewole Ayinde, and Adisa Okikiade were convicted for internet fraud.
They were among 93 arrested Aug 10, 2025 in a sting at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library hotel, Abeokuta.
Qudus posed as “Eric Melissa” on Instagram; Ayinde used fake email to defraud $180; Okikiade posed as Anthony Krenn 2024-2025.
All pleaded guilty to one-count charges under Cybercrimes Act 2015.
EFCC presented extra-judicial statements, forensic device analysis, and N200,000 restitution draft by Ayinde.
Sources: EFCC Ibadan Zonal Command Aug 10, 2025 press release; Premium Times Aug 2025
10.Jolly Nyame – Ex-Taraba Governor
Court: Federal High Court, Abuja | Convicted: 2023/2024
Jolly Nyame, governor of Taraba State 1999-2007, was sentenced to 14 years for looting millions of dollars.
The judge condemned crimes including inflated contracts for office equipment and stationery as “outright theft”.
Nyame, a church pastor, was one of over a dozen governors questioned by EFCC after leaving office in 2007.
EFCC spokesman said the conviction would boost anti-corruption efforts and speed up pending cases of other ex-governors.
President Buhari had vowed to recover “mind-boggling” sums looted by officials over decades.
Sources: Premium Times 2023/2024; EFCC case file
11.Joseph Nanchang – Stealing N300,000
Court: Evbouriaria Magistrates’ Court, Benin | Convicted: 2026
20-year-old Joseph Nanchang was sentenced to 3 years for stealing N300,000 belonging to Mrs Victoria Owie.
The crime occurred Feb 23 at No. 18 off Muritala Mohammed Way, Benin.
He faced 2 counts of conspiracy and stealing under Criminal Code Cap 48.
Nanchang pleaded not guilty to conspiracy but guilty to stealing.
Magistrate C.E. Oghuma sentenced him to 3 years without option of fine.
Sources: Edo State Judiciary records 2026; Benin City magistrate court register
12.NASU Loan Fraud – Supreme Court Affirmation
Court: Supreme Court | Convicted: 2026
The Supreme Court delivered final victory for ICPC by affirming conviction in a N68 million union fraud case.
The apex court upheld High Court of Ogun State and Court of Appeal, Ibadan decisions, dismissing appeal for lacking merit.
Defendants abused union positions by diverting 2011 loan meant for 120 staff members.
ICPC charged them under Section 19 Corrupt Practices Act for conferring corrupt advantage on themselves and others.
The judgment closed a legal battle spanning over a decade since the 2011 offence.
Sources: Supreme Court of Nigeria judgment SC.123/2026; ICPC Press Release 2026.
Whilst we may commend the EFCC for their expertise in getting these convictions, the truth is that, for every one conviction, there are dozens of high profile cases that have lingered for long. I will give you two instance of allegations made by EFCC to two important politically exposed persons but one of these two went on to become the current Senate President and the second being the former governor of Delta state is warming up to become a senator for the second time.
Briefing: Two High-Profile Cases – Ifeanyi Okowa & Senate President Godswill Akpabio
Status as of May 2026 | No convictions yet – both under investigation/probe.
Ifeanyi Okowa – Former Governor, Delta State 2015-2023
Status: Under EFCC investigation. Not convicted.
Allegation: EFCC arrested Okowa on Nov 4, 2024 at Port Harcourt office over alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion 13% oil derivation fund received by Delta State between 2015-2023. He is also been accused of failing to account for N40bn allegedly used to buy 8% equity in UTM Floating LNG and for purchasing estates in Abuja/Asaba.
EFCC Position: EFCC Director of Legal & Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir SAN, confirmed Oct 23, 2025 that investigation is “still ongoing” despite Okowa’s April 2025 defection to APC. “No suspect is immune from investigation or prosecution because of political alignment… in due course, justice will be served”.
Okowa’s Response: Through former CPS Olisa Ifeajika, Okowa denied the N1.3tn allegation May 5, 2026, saying Delta received N2.65tn total in 8 years and “gave account of how that money was spent”. He said he reported to EFCC voluntarily and was never detained.
Court Status: No charges filed yet. EFCC says it prefers to complete comprehensive investigation before going to court, especially in high-profile cases.
Sources: TheCable Oct 23, 2025; Daily Trust; Pulse Nigeria Nov 2024; BusinessDay May 2026.
Godswill Akpabio – Current Senate President, ex-Governor Akwa Ibom 2007-2015
Status: Under EFCC probe + civil suits. No criminal conviction.
EFCC Probe – Akwa Ibom contracts: Akpabio has been under EFCC investigation since 2015 over accusations of diverting over N100bn from Akwa Ibom State during his tenure as governor 2007-2015. NACAT stated in 2023 that he’s “currently being investigated by EFCC over multi-million contracts he awarded”. No charges filed to date.
These are just a few of the cases of corruption that aren’t yet resolved by the EFCC or the courts of law. Indeed, in Nigeria, corruption is a big deal for persons holding public offices in the federation and most especially in the States and the Federal Capital Territory. The challenge is therefore for the EFCC to up their game and convince Nigerians that it is not under the direct Interferences of the president or those surrounding Mr. President. Whatever must be done to cut off the hydraheaded monsters of corruption in Nigeria, should be done faster before more millions of children are driven to the streets to beg for their survival or before the health sector, the education sector, roads, and other key infrastructures collapse under the heavyweight of corruption by government officials and their cronies. Citizens should also not accept bribes for votes and cast their votes for persons of integrity. These good politicians are amongst us. We must shine our eyes in January 2027.
***EMMANUEL NNADOZIE ONWUBIKO is the founder of the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) and was NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA.
A.I
June 2, 2026
Tags: Emmanuel NNADOZIE Onwubiko