The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoaaka (SAN) has revealed that government is considering the merger of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to eradicate the overlap in their functions.
The news confirms speculation about radical changes coming to the anti-corruption agencies and their collective strategy early in the New Year. The EFCC, ICPC and CCB have overlapping responsibilities as exemplified in the prosecution of Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former governor of Bayelsa State who was convicted in a case brought forward by the ICPC and still faces similar charges before the Code of Conduct Bureau.
The duplication of investigations and prosecutions has been unhelpful and has to a large extent undermined the reasons for the existence of the Serious Fraud Unit of the Police. It has also been wasteful from a resources point of view, especially in a situation where the EFCC has been largely funded and trained by external sources.
There will be speculation as to what the new structure will be and if the high profile Chairman of the EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu will preserve his current status but it is certain that the AGF will be looking to separate the anti-corruption cusade from political interference while seeking greater professionalism in the investigative and prosecuting arms of the new structure.
