CHALLENGES TO INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF CORRUPTTION CASES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The prevalence of corrupt practices, economic sabotages and financial crimes in Nigeria in both public andprivate sectors made the country to be consistently ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world. Thispaper appraises the salient challenges that bedevilled fight against corruption in Nigeria. The scope of theresearch covers challenges from reporting corruption, its investigation and prosecution before a court of lawwhere investigation report discloses prima facie case. The research focuses largely on corrupt practices wherePolitically Exposed Persons (PEPs) are involved. The major objective of the research is to identify the challengesthat hinder the reportage, investigation and prosecution of corruption cases in Nigeria, particularly where PEPsare involved and to provide solutions to the challenges highlighted in the research. The research adopts doctrinalresearch methodology. The major finding of this research is that lack of independence and interference into theactivities of ACAs by policy makers are the major challenges that bedevilled the fight against corruption.Therefore, the research suggests that before any meaningful success could be recorded in fighting corruption inNigeria executive arm of government, legislature and the judiciary must show practical will to fight corruptionnot lips service.