Judges Undermine Anti-Corruption Efforts in Nigeria and Africa, Says Sierra Leone’s Kaifala

Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption chief, Francis Ben Kaifala, criticizes judicial systems across Africa, including Nigeria, for weakening the fight against corruption.

Francis Ben Kaifala, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission in Sierra Leone, has criticized judges in Nigeria and Africa for complicating efforts by anti-corruption agencies to secure convictions in criminal cases.

Kaifala delivered this statement in Abuja on Tuesday while serving as the keynote speaker at the End of Year Engagement, which marked one year in office for Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He stated that one of the challenges in effectively combating corruption is that judges, who should be enforcing strong measures against it, are not doing enough. He believes they impose minimal sentences and often release offenders.

He stated, “We will continue to face challenges in fighting corruption because it is not costly enough.”

He emphasized the need to back institutions and leaders dedicated to combating corruption in Africa.

Most importantly, we must be bold—exceptionally bold—in our thinking to develop policies and principles grounded in common sense and mindful of the corruption culture within our countries.

Just because something is effective in other places doesn’t guarantee it will be successful here. However, if we take into account the cultures and practices of our respective countries and implement suitable policies, I am confident that Africa can better tackle the challenges of the 21st century as a united continent and come out on top in future discussions.