Senator Nwaebonyi To EFCC: Prove Integrity By Revealing Politicians Found Innocent

Vice Chairman of the South-East Constitution Review Committee, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to publicly disclose investigation outcomes that clear individuals of wrongdoing, in order to dispel the notion that “all politicians are thieves.”

According to Ireporter Online, Senator Nwaebonyi made this appeal during an interview on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of transparency in handling high-profile corruption cases. He argued that when the EFCC provides updates on cases where no evidence of guilt is found, it helps the public differentiate between genuinely corrupt leaders and those dedicated to national progress.

“Most of these high-profile cases that have no prima facie evidence against the accused should be made public,” Nwaebonyi stated. “That way, Nigerians will understand that not all politicians are thieves. We still have patriotic leaders who are determined to fix this country.”

The lawmaker applauded the EFCC for what he described as a significant transformation in recent years, commending the agency’s move away from “media trial theatrics” toward securing actual convictions. “Before now, EFCC was known for media trials without tangible results,” he said. “But within the past two years, the commission has recorded many convictions, which shows progress. If they maintain this pace, corruption will soon be eradicated from our system.”

He further noted that the commission’s renewed approach to investigations and prosecutions has helped rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.

Speaking on the EFCC’s operational conduct, Nwaebonyi acknowledged the agency’s level of independence and adherence to due process. “The law is a game governed by facts and evidence,” he noted. “If a politician is accused of embezzlement, it is the duty of the EFCC to investigate and verify the claims. They are doing a good job, and we do not dictate to them. They are quite independent in their investigations.”

The senator urged the anti-graft agency to continue operating within legal boundaries while keeping Nigerians informed on the progress of both successful prosecutions and cases dismissed for lack of merit. He stressed that such openness would strengthen the EFCC’s credibility and foster fairness in the nation’s justice system.

“It is important that the EFCC communicates when individuals are cleared of allegations,” he added. “This level of transparency will demonstrate fairness and protect the institution’s integrity.”

Nwaebonyi’s remarks come days after the Presidency praised the EFCC for its remarkable evolution and professionalism. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, commended the agency’s leadership for its performance during a recent visit to EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in Abuja.

She lauded the EFCC’s growth since its establishment in 2000, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most improved institutions, and encouraged staff to sustain ongoing reforms that have repositioned the commission as a leading anti-corruption body in Africa.