The full meaning of ICPC is the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission. It is a Nigerian anti-corruption agency established to prevent, detect, and investigate corruption in the public and private sectors.
The ICPC has the power to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, recover stolen assets, and promote transparency and accountability in public administration.
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How Was ICPC Established And What Is Its Legal Framework?
In June 2000, the Nigerian government took a bold step by signing the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act into law. This act was designed to target corruption in both public and private sectors, sending a clear message that corruption would no longer be tolerated.
Just a few months later, on September 29, 2000, President Olusegun Obasanjo officially inaugurated the ICPC. This was a turning point in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, marking the beginning of a dedicated and structured approach to fighting corrupt practices.
You may be wondering why the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act is so important. Well, it outlines the powers and responsibilities of the ICPC, giving the commission the legal authority to investigate allegations of corruption, prosecute offenders, and educate the public about the dangers of corruption.
With this law in place, the ICPC can operate independently, without fear of political interference, which is good for it to function effectively.
The commission itself is made up of a different group of members. It includes legal experts, professionals from various fields, and other individuals with different backgrounds.
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What Are the Key Functions of ICPC?
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has several key functions that help fight corruption in Nigeria:
1. Investigation Of Corruption
One of the primary roles of the ICPC is to investigate allegations of corruption. When someone reports a corrupt activity, ICPC steps in to thoroughly look into the matter.
They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and go through documents. This way, ICPC ensures that those involved in corrupt practices are brought to justice.
2. Prosecution Of Offenders
If an investigation uncovers enough evidence, ICPC can take legal action against the offenders, which involves prosecuting them in court. The aim is to hold corrupt individuals accountable and ensure they face penalties.
3. Prevention Of Corruption
ICPC doesn’t just react to corruption, it also prevents it from happening. They review public institutions and identify areas that might be prone to corruption. By recommending reforms, ICPC helps create systems that are more transparent and less vulnerable to corruption.
4. Public Education
Another core function of ICPC is to educate the public. They organize campaigns and workshops to raise awareness about the harmful effects of corruption. Through education, ICPC empowers citizens to recognize corrupt activities and take action by reporting them.
5. Enlisting Public Support
ICPC encourages the public to actively join the fight against corruption. They promote a culture of integrity by promoting good governance and urging citizens to play a role in making society more accountable. With a collective effort, we can all contribute to a better, corruption-free environment.
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Structure Of ICPC
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is structured into 10 departments and 6 units.
Departments:
- Operations
- Legal Services
- Proceeds of Crime, Recovery & Management
- Special Services
- Systems Study & Review
- Public Enlightenment & Education
- Administration & Human Resources
- Finance & Accounts
- Planning, Research & Statistics
- Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN)
Units:
- Internal Audit
- Procurement
- Reform (SERVICOM, ACTU & FoI)
- Protocol
- Internal Security & Support
- Clinic
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Who Is The Current Chairman Of ICPC?
The current Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is Bolaji Owasanoye. He has held this position since January 2018, after being appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Owasanoye is a well-respected Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist. He earned his law degree from the University of Ife in 1984 and later obtained a master’s degree in law from the University of Lagos.
He began his career as an assistant lecturer and became a professor of law at the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in 2001. Owasanoye had served as the Executive Secretary of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC).
He has been a strong advocate for various anti-corruption measures in Nigeria, including the Proceeds of Crime Bill and the Whistle-blower and Witness Protection Bill.
Throughout his career, he has consulted for different Nigerian federal and state agencies, as well as international organizations like the World Bank and USAID.
In 2020, he was honored with the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a prestigious recognition akin to that of a Queen’s Counsel in the UK.