The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s Struggles to Prosecute Corrupt Politicians in Nigeria Under President Muhammadu Buhari's Administration: A White-Goose-Chase

Abstract

Corruption in Nigeria has become intractable due to the character of the Nigerian state which manifests through political culture of office holders; compromised sincerity, as well as politics of prebendalism and political corruption. This study examined factors that undermined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s struggles to persecute corrupt politicians in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration from 2015-2023. The method of data collection was majorly through documentary method. The study is theoretically anchored on Richard Joseph’s theory of prebendalism (1987). After thorough analysis, the following findings were made: Despite efforts made by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission to curb corruption in Nigeria, corruption still widespread because of the character of the Nigerian state. The study also found that the corrupt nature of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s chairmen contributes to low persecution of corrupt politicians in Nigeria. The study concluded that more need to be done if the war against corruption would be won, and recommended among other things that: The government should embark on attitudinal change campaigns on the change begins with me mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Also, the EFCC should be strengthened to ensure timely prosecution of those indicted of corrupt practices.