Civil Society Demands Senate Accountability on Crime Bill Reversal

A coalition of civil society groups has called on the Nigerian Senate to publicly explain its decision to reverse the passage of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was initially passed on July 9, 2026. In a statement dated August 25, 2026, and signed by Barrister Chukwu Vincent, the coalition warned that the unexplained reversal could undermine Nigeria's anti-corruption credibility.

They noted that the Bill had undergone a thorough legislative process, including first and second readings, committee review, and a public hearing with input from 22 organizations, including the ICPC and the Nigerian Bar Association. Concerns were raised about possible influence from Senate President on Senate Leader Senator Michael Opeyemi (Ekiti Central) Bamidele regarding the rescission motion.

The coalition urged the Senate leadership to provide specific legal and policy grounds for the reversal and to resume consideration of the Bill promptly, emphasizing the necessity of a standalone Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Agency for effective asset management.