Yahaya Bello, Emefiele, Dasuki, Suswam, Oduah: Nigeria’s never-ending corruption cases

Despite efforts to accelerate the conclusion of corruption cases in Nigeria, many high-profile cases still linger in courts, unlike the regular financial crime cases. Some have lingered long, while others recently commenced, with concerns that all the cases may suffer similar fate if reforms do not take place.

Some of the pending cases are those of Darius Ishaku, Yahaya Bello, Godwin Emefiele, Abba Kyari, Willie Obiano, Chris Ngige, Hadi Sirika, Sule Mamman, Gabriel Suswam, Sambo Dasuki, Stella Oduah and Abubakar Malami.

Darius Ishaku

A former Governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, was arraigned on September 30, 2024, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before an FCT High Court for alleged diversion of money from the contingency fund belonging to the state’s Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and certain local governments of the state into private use valued at N27bn through companies like Worthy Construction Limited.

The trial is expected to continue on January 21.

Yahaya Bello

After a prolonged stalemate over the arraignment of former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, he was finally arraigned before an FCT High Court on November 27, 2024, on a 16-count money laundering charge valued at N110.4bn. Similarly, EFCC filed another 19-count money laundering charge worth N80.2bn before a Federal High Court in Abuja on December 13, 2024, against Bello.

The cases will commence on January 29 and 31 respectively.

Emefiele’s trial and seized 753-unit estate

The trial of a former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on a 20-count amended charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage and breach of trust before an FCT High Court progressed with many witnesses testifying.

On December 2, 2024, EFCC announced the seizure of 753 duplexes and other apartments linked to Emefiele. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie granted the EFCC the final forfeiture of the properties after the expiration of the initial interim order. The anti-corruption agency described this as its biggest recovery since its founding in 2004.

The case is expected to continue on January 5 and 6.

Abba Kyari

The trial of the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari for alleged drug-peddling by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is continuing before a Federal High Court in Abuja on February 26.

Earlier, the court dismissed the no-case submission he and his brothers filed on the assets non-disclosure case before the court.

Willie Obiano

The trial of former Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State over alleged N4bn money laundering offences in the outgone year was adjourned indefinitely by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case suffered a setback following the suspension of the initial presiding Judge, Justice Ekwo, and was reassigned to Justice Mohammed Umar. Following this, counsel to the EFCC, S.O. Obila, requested the court to postpone the matter to enable the new judge to get acquainted with it according to the instruction from his lead counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN).

Shortly before the case resumed on November 25, 2025, news spread about the ex-governor’s death due to illness abroad. But he shared videos to refute the death rumours.

Hadi Sirika

Former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, is facing trial over alleged money laundering and abuse of office through companies such as Al Buraq Global Investment Ltd worth N2.7bn. He was charged with his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, and son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule.

After witnesses’ submissions, Justice Sylvanus Oriji ordered the parties to file and serve their written addresses within 14 days.

The case is expected to continue this year.

Sule Mamman

The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, is set for defence after a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, dismissed his no case submission. EFCC alleged a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33.8bn during his tenure.

The case was adjourned to February 23.

Gabriel Suswam

The trial of former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, over alleged N3.1bn diversion of the share proceeds of the Benue Cement Company (BCC) through the Benue Investment Company Ltd progressed to the defence part after 10 years when it suffered various administrative and technical delays.

The case has been scheduled for January 20.

Sambo Dasuki

Former National Security Adviser (NSA) is facing two charges, one on illegal possession of firearms before a Federal High Court in Abuja, and the other is an alleged 32-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N33.2bn before an FCT High Court.

On the illegal possession of firearms, the presiding Judge, Justice Peter Lifu, last year, rejected the move by the Department of State Services (DSS) to bring earlier rejected exhibits allegedly recovered from Dasuki’s residence in 2015.

The trial is expected to continue this year.

Stella Oduah

The trial of former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, resumed on October 12, 2025, when the federal government re-arraigned her before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge of conspiracy and advance fee fraud. She was previously charged in 2023.

The matter has been adjourned to February 12.

Chris Ngige

Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, was arraigned in December, 2025, over alleged abuse of office and contract fraud with the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) worth N2.2bn.

His trial is expected to continue this year.

Abubakar Malami

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was last December arraigned and remanded on a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering. Malami; his son, Abdulaziz; and wife, Asabe Bashir, of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd were alleged to conspire to conceal the illicit origin of properties worth billions of naira found in cities like Abuja, Kebbi and Kano states.

The bail hearing is expected for January 2.

Why corruption cases drag – Lawyers

Lawyers blame the load of work and technicalities as the major causes of delays in the conclusion of corruption cases.

Deji Ekemgba Esq said there were not enough judges with specialisation in various areas of law, adding that many were made to handle over 20 cases in the day’s course list.

Similarly, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh Esq blamed lawyers who adopted technicalities to delay trial while judges still let some go through despite the restrictions by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

NBA seeks speedy conclusion of cases

The Nigerian Bar Association’s Anti-Corruption Committee (NBAA-CC) said it was determined to fight corruption, especially among legal practitioners in 2026 to enhance public trust in the profession.

In a New Year message to mark the beginning of 2026, the committee, chaired by Professor Babafemi Badejo, said although progress was recorded in 2025, Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts remained fragile and required stronger enforcement, transparency and leadership accountability.

Recalling the strides in the previous year, the NBAA-CC described the approval by the NBA National Executive Committee (NEC) for the establishment of anti-corruption committees at branch level as a landmark achievement as it would decentralise structures to strengthen grassroots advocacy, promote ethical vigilance and localise the fight against corruption within the legal profession.

Prof. Badejo said, “In a recent press statement issued on the global Anti-Corruption Day, the NBAA-CC notes and agrees entirely with the recent statement on commitment to the Rule of Law as expressed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The Rule of Law is the most potent weapon against corruption. However, the NBAA-CC hastened to add that the rule of law cannot be achieved with the current level of corruption in Nigeria.”

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.