The Code of Conduct Tribunal has approached lawmakers as the CCT seeks anti-corruption court status to accelerate gists and prosecution across Nigeria.
Under the leadership of Chairman Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar, the tribunal is pushing for an Executive Bill to execute the structural transformation. Consequently, the agency is channeling the proposed legislation through the Attorney-General of the Federation to fast-track anti-graft cases.
Moreover, the tribunal aims to resolve pending trials swiftly. Therefore, leadership believes the CCT seeks anti-corruption court status to provide a dedicated judicial avenue for complex financial cases.
Proposal includes 37 judges and six-week trial limit
Speaking on the initiative, CCT Acting Director of Litigation, Yahaya Laraski, stated that the proposed court will establish seven judicial divisions across the country.
Furthermore, the reform plan includes appointing 37 dedicated judges to handle corruption matters. These jurists will hear cases from various anti-graft institutions, civil society groups, and security agencies.
“It will be a court of summary trial, whereby all cases must be dispensed with within a period of six weeks from the arraignment date,” Laraski explained.
Currently, the CCT is battling an inherited backlog of 1,037 cases. Many of these cases have remained unresolved for five to ten years.
Addressing operational constraints and funding shortages
Despite ongoing structural reforms, Laraski highlighted narrow jurisdiction and financial constraints as primary obstacles limiting effectiveness.
Specifically, the tribunal currently relies on case referrals from the Code of Conduct Bureau. As a result, this dependence restricts independent adjudicative capacity.
Additionally, Laraski noted that the tribunal struggles to access its N2 billion budgetary allocation. Therefore, he appealed for federal support to acquire essential ICT equipment and operational vehicles.
Nevertheless, the leadership has instituted internal reforms. The agency has recovered unlawfully disposed properties, cleared staff promotion backlogs, and drafted modern Practice Directions.
