CSOs Task FG on Full Implementation of Proceeds of Crime Act

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Civil Society Organisations have urged the federal government to ensure diligent implementation of the Proceeds of Crime Act to enable recovered assets to drive economic growth.

The call was made yesterday during a webinar convened by ANEEJ, CISLAC, HEDA, Spotlight on Corruption and The Corner House to review the implications of the UK court’s acquittal of former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

A UK jury at Southwark Crown Court on June 17, 2026 cleared Alison-Madueke of six bribery charges. The verdict, CSOs said, raises critical issues around prosecution standards, evidence gathering, and asset recovery for politically exposed persons.

ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, said while the groups respect the UK judgement, Nigeria must focus on accountability and blocking illicit financial flows.

“Illicit financial flows across borders must be stopped. While we respect the UK court verdict, accountability must continue where evidence leads. There is need to interrogate the Proceeds of Crime Act. The law must be diligently implemented,” he said.

Ugolor noted that asset-related cases involving the former minister are still pending in Nigerian courts, and the UK outcome should prompt Nigeria and partners to review how corruption cases are investigated and concluded.

In July, the Federal High Court in Abuja admitted the UK acquittal as evidence in her ongoing asset forfeiture matter.

UK-based observers Zainab Saleem and Helen Taylor said scrutiny of the ex-minister began in 2013. Saleem faulted the non-prosecution of alleged bribers, while Taylor cited delays caused by cross-border evidence gathering.

Prof. S.A. Igbinedion said Nigeria cannot outsource its anti-corruption fight. “We are lax when it comes to the recovery of our assets in foreign lands. We must take charge of the battle ourselves,” he said.

Prof. Abdullahi Shehu added that investigation and prosecution standards in Nigeria must improve, stressing that “a poorly investigated case cannot be prosecuted well.”