Tinubu: No One Is Above The Law Under My Administration as EFCC Records 7,000 Convictions, ₦500bn Recoveries
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that his administration does not shield anyone from legal accountability or obstruct the investigation and prosecution of crimes, regardless of political connections. According to details obtained by PulseNets, the president maintained that his government “neither operates a shield law nor engages in the concealment of people’s involvement in crime.”
He emphasised that building a corruption-free Nigeria was possible if every citizen committed to integrity and accountability within their sphere of influence.
Tinubu Urges Judiciary to Uphold Integrity
Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the EFCC–National Judicial Institute (NJI) Workshop for Justices and Judges, Tinubu urged the judiciary to remain “steadfast, impartial, and incorruptible” in the discharge of its duties.
PulseNets learnt that the president, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, underscored that the moral foundation of the nation rests squarely on the integrity of its judicial system.
“We draw our moral distinction as a people from the judiciary, and we owe it the reverence and autonomy to remain the last sanctuary of our collective conscience,” he said.
Tinubu further warned that the breakdown of any society begins when those entrusted with interpreting its laws become compromised, adding that his administration had prioritised the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers. He noted that the recent review of judges’ remuneration formed part of broader efforts to safeguard judicial independence.
Addressing Concerns on Delayed Corruption Trials
PulseNets reported that the president also tackled rising public frustration over delayed rulings in high-profile corruption cases, even as cybercrime prosecutions are concluded more swiftly.
“There is widespread anger about delayed adjudication in major corruption cases, while matters involving cybercrime masterminds are determined with dispatch,” Tinubu stated.
“We must ensure that justice is not only served but served in a manner that strengthens public confidence.”
He clarified that his administration had never interfered in court matters or the operations of anti-graft agencies, saying:
“No person or group can accuse this administration of shielding political actors based on affiliation. Both the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies are fully empowered to exercise their constitutional mandates.”
Over 7,000 Convictions and ₦500 Billion Recovered
PulseNets obtained figures showing that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets exceeding ₦500 billion in Tinubu’s first two years in office.
The president disclosed that these proceeds are being channeled into social investment programmes, including the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Initiative, designed to expand economic opportunities for Nigerians.
Digital Evolution and the New Face of Crime
Addressing emerging challenges, Tinubu highlighted the need for continuous learning within the judiciary to match the sophistication of modern financial crimes.
“From email fraud to blockchain analysis, financial crimes have evolved. How can one do justice in a cryptocurrency case without digital competence? Learning and relearning are no longer optional—they are imperative,” he told participants.
He reminded judges that corruption affects everyone equally, regardless of social status:
“There are no special hospitals or roads for judges. A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right.”
Judiciary, Legislature, and EFCC Leaders React
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, told PulseNets that judicial decisions directly shape national growth and stability. She called on judges to be deliberate and firm in applying constitutional tools while ensuring that justice is never delayed nor compromised.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, said the war against corruption must be collective.
“The legislature, the judiciary, and the citizens must act in concert to ensure that corruption finds no refuge in our system,” Akpabio noted, reaffirming that the National Assembly will keep supporting law enforcement with legislative tools and funding.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede (SAN) told PulseNets that the Supreme Court’s recent affirmation of the EFCC’s mandate had further empowered anti-graft institutions.
“The record of over 4,000 convictions and massive asset recoveries is proof that our judiciary remains committed and effective,” Olukoyede said.
NJI Administrator B.A. Adejumo also observed that the workshop had become a major pillar in Nigeria’s long-term fight against corruption, stressing that no nation can develop without tackling graft.
Tinubu Approves New Law School Auditorium
In a related development, PulseNets learnt that President Tinubu approved the construction of a new auditorium at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus, to improve the nation’s legal education infrastructure.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, disclosed this during the flag-off of a 600-capacity student hostel in Bwari, Abuja.
“When I informed Mr. President that the current auditorium couldn’t accommodate the growing number of students, he immediately directed me to ensure a new one is built,” Wike told PulseNets.
“This demonstrates what responsive leadership looks like—swift action when issues are presented sincerely.”
He pledged that the project would be completed within 12 months, affirming that the initiative aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to modernise legal education.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), expressed gratitude to the president and Wike for what he described as “unprecedented interventions in legal education.”
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“This is true leadership at work. What we are witnessing today is the Renewed Hope Agenda delivering tangible results,” Fagbemi said.
Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), also thanked the president for his continued support, noting that the new projects will enhance teaching and learning nationwide.
