The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians, urging them to stop celebrating and glorifying public officials convicted of corruption. The anti-graft agency stated that such actions severely undermine the nation's fight against financial crimes and erode public morality.
EFCC's Stern Warning in Kaduna
The caution was delivered during a one-day capacity building workshop held in Kaduna on December 15, 2025. The event was organized for media professionals and civil society organizations. The forum aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Commission, journalists, and advocacy groups in the collective battle against corruption.
Nasir Salele, the Head of the Legal Department at the EFCC's Kaduna Zonal Directorate, raised the alarm. He pointed out a disturbing trend where communities often rally behind individuals accused of corruption instead of supporting the course of justice.
Communities Defending the Accused and Celebrating the Convicted
Salele expressed deep concern over the conduct of some communities. He noted that it has become common to see villagers troop to court to oppose prosecution efforts against suspects. He recounted witnessing scenes where supporters openly protested in defence of individuals facing serious corruption charges.
"The situation becomes worse when convicted persons are treated as heroes upon returning to their communities," Salele emphasized. He provided a stark example: "There was a case in Nigeria well-known and on record where an individual was investigated, prosecuted, found guilty, convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. After he completed the imprisonment, the entire community came out to celebrate and welcome him back as their son. Ideally, the community ought to have detested him."
A Call for Sustained Public Re-orientation
The EFCC officials at the workshop described the habit of glorifying corrupt individuals as both disturbing and harmful to the rule of law. They argued that celebrating convicted persons sends a dangerous message that crime, especially corruption, can be profitable and socially acceptable.
To counter this narrative, the Commission called for a sustained public re-orientation. EFCC representatives urged the media and civil society groups to deepen their collaboration with the agency. The goal is to drive a consistent campaign that reshapes public values and reinforces the societal stigma that should be attached to corruption and financial crimes.
The core message from the Kaduna workshop is clear: national anti-corruption efforts are weakened when those found guilty of looting public funds are welcomed home with honours and public celebrations. The EFCC's plea is for all Nigerians to reject corruption in all its forms and to collectively uphold the principles of accountability and integrity.
