Corruption Trials: EFCC, NJI Push Specialised Courts, Digital Evidence Reforms
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) have called for reforms to Nigeria’s criminal justice system to accelerate corruption trials, curb abuse of court processes and strengthen the prosecution of economic and financial crimes.
The agencies made the call in a communique issued at the conclusion of a three-day capacity-building workshop for judicial officers in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The 8th Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges, organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the NJI, focused on “Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Financial Crimes in a Digital Age.”
The event brought together justices, judges, investigators and prosecutors to examine challenges affecting the administration of justice and explore strategies for addressing financial crimes in an increasingly digital environment.
In its resolutions, the workshop recommended the designation of specialised judges and court personnel to handle corruption cases, noting that targeted training would improve the efficiency and consistency of judicial proceedings.
Participants also called for a review of relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to address procedural bottlenecks and ensure a proper balance between defendants’ rights and the need for speedy trials.
They stressed that the protection of individual rights must go hand in hand with efficiency, fairness and certainty in the administration of criminal justice.
Digital Evidence, AI Under Focus
The communique urged investigative and prosecutorial agencies to strengthen their investigation standards and digital evidence management systems to ensure that prosecutions are supported by credible, reliable and admissible evidence.
It also recommended the use of video recording and other safeguards when obtaining confessional statements to protect suspects’ rights and enhance the credibility of investigations.
On technological advancement, participants called for clear governance frameworks to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence in the administration of justice.
They urged anti-corruption agencies, other relevant government institutions, the National Assembly and the Judiciary to work together in developing policies and guidelines for the responsible deployment of AI in the justice system.
The workshop further highlighted the importance of training investigators, prosecutors and judicial officers on the proper use of open-source intelligence, stressing that such information should primarily generate investigative leads and provide corroboration.
Any material relied upon in court, they noted, must satisfy applicable rules of evidence.
Participants Seek Stronger Asset Recovery Framework
The communique described Non-Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture as an effective instrument for recovering stolen assets but insisted that its application must comply with existing laws, human rights standards and appropriate institutional oversight.
Participants also called for procedural reforms to provide for extensions of time for freezing suspected proceeds of financial crimes.
They urged stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of the legal framework governing virtual assets, citing the Investment and Securities Act (2025), the Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination (2026), the Rules on Digital and Virtual Assets Operations (2026) and the Proceeds of Crime Act (2022).
The participants said greater investment in digital forensic laboratories, technology infrastructure and specialised training was necessary to improve the investigation and prosecution of complex financial crimes.
They also advocated continuous professional development for judicial officers and anti-corruption personnel to keep them abreast of emerging criminal methods and global best practices.
NJI, NJC Urged to Develop Specialised Courses
As part of efforts to improve judicial capacity, the workshop recommended that the NJI, working with the National Judicial Council (NJC), develop accredited certificate and diploma programmes for judges and other relevant stakeholders, subject to necessary legislative reviews.
The initiative, according to the communique, would equip judicial officers with specialised knowledge and skills to improve efficiency in justice delivery.
Participants also called for sustained cooperation among institutions involved in criminal justice administration, particularly in sharing information on emerging trends in digital investigations and financial crime prosecutions.
Heads of courts were encouraged to develop policies and clarify judicial practices on the technical issues discussed during the workshop.
The programme featured nine interactive sessions covering confessional statements, garnishee proceedings, delays and abuse of court processes, asset forfeiture, artificial intelligence, virtual asset recovery and digital forensics.
Attendees included justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, judges of the Federal High Court, State High Courts and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as representatives of relevant judicial and anti-corruption institutions.
The participants expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the workshop’s success.
