CCT Seeks Approval to Become National Anti-Corruption Court

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has approached the National Assembly for approval to become a National Anti-Corruption Court, aimed at expediting the trial of corruption cases in Nigeria. Yahaya Laraski, the Acting Director of Litigation of the CCT, announced this initiative in a statement on Monday.

The proposal is being pursued as an Executive Bill through the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The envisioned court would consist of seven judicial divisions across Nigeria and employ 37 judges dedicated to corruption-related cases.

It would have jurisdiction over cases filed by anti-graft agencies and civil society organizations, allowing them to prosecute their cases. The court is designed to operate under a summary trial system, ensuring that cases are concluded within six weeks of arraignment.

Laraski also mentioned recent achievements of the tribunal, including the recovery of two properties sold illegally and the elevation of the tribunal chairman's status to that of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. However, he noted challenges such as inadequate case inflow and funding.