The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has established a new department called Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management to recover stolen assets from corrupt public officers within and outside Nigeria. The inauguration took place on September 10, 2024, at the Barcelona Hotels in Abuja.
The event was attended by the Acting Chairman, Barr. Murtala Kankia, board members, directors, and some staff of the CCB.
During his welcoming address, Barr. Kankia outlined the CCB’s mandates and achievements, particularly in prosecuting defaulters, providing intelligence to other agencies and the implementation of the online assets declaration. He said the newly established department will create a uniform framework for tracking stolen assets within Nigeria and abroad.
Barr. Kankia also discussed some of the challenges the Bureau is facing in the area of poor funding, office space and insufficient manpower. He concluded by seeking more collaboration from agencies involved in fighting corruption.
Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct Bureau, and Public Petitions, chaired the event and inaugurated the new department. He emphasized the significance of the new department in combating corruption and restoring public trust. Senator Neda said CCB has achieved a milestone in fighting corruption. He also pledged the Senate’s support and encouraged collaboration with relevant agencies, especially when it comes to tracing and recovering stolen assets within and internationally. Senator Neda said he looks forward to a future where public trust is restored and values of integrity and accountability are upheld.
Hon. Kayode Moshood, who is overseeing the activities of some anticorruption agencies, expressed the House of Representatives’ full support for the fight against corruption and urged the staff of the new department to work with integrity to achieve positive results.
Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Chairman of the ICPC, commended the CCB for establishing the new department and stressed the importance of effectively tracing and recovering illicit funds stolen by government officers. He also highlighted the significance of whistleblowing and advised focusing on stolen assets owned by public officers abroad. He urged the CCB to beam their searchlight the Local Government areas nationwide.
Representatives from various agencies, including EFCC, OAGF, FMOJ, NDLEA, FCTA, DSS, and ICAN, also attended the event.
