CCT Seeks Approval to Become National Anti-Corruption Court

Yahaya Laraski, Acting Director of Litigation at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, announced on Monday that the CCT has petitioned the National Assembly. The institution seeks formal approval to reshape itself as a dedicated National Anti-Corruption Court.

While addressing recent achievements and ongoing challenges, Laraski explained that the transformation proposal moves forward as an Executive Bill, channelled via the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Under the proposed structure, 37 judges would be positioned across seven separate judicial divisions throughout Nigeria.

A cornerstone of the plan involves a fast-track trial mechanism designed to conclude corruption cases within six weeks, markedly cutting down standard resolution timeframes. This specialised judicial body would focus exclusively on corruption matters and related offences, departing from the tribunal's current broader mandate.

Calls for accelerated prosecutions have intensified across Nigeria's anti-corruption landscape, prompting the CCT's reform effort. Prolonged case timelines remain a significant obstacle in the accountability system, with corruption prosecutions typically lasting years to reach completion.

Those backing the proposal argue that a tribunal equipped with dedicated resources and streamlined procedures could deliver faster determinations while preserving procedural fairness. Implementation hinges on securing legislative approval from the National Assembly.

To date, the legislature has not announced when deliberation on the proposal will commence. Such a restructuring would represent a substantial departure from Nigeria's current approach to managing corruption prosecutions, shifting away from the long-standing tribunal model that has traditionally overseen these matters.