Nigeria’s Federal High Court Appoints 48 Judges to Expedite EFCC Corruption Cases

March 5, 2025 – Lagos, Nigeria

In a landmark judicial shake-up, the Federal High Court of Nigeria has designated 48 judges across multiple divisions to accelerate the prosecution of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cases. This strategic decision, aimed at unclogging the judiciary’s bottlenecks, signals an unprecedented commitment to tackling financial crimes, corruption trials, and money laundering cases with increased efficiency.

Judicial Overhaul: A New Era for Anti-Corruption Prosecutions

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John T. Tsoho, issued a directive formalizing the allocation of judges to oversee EFCC cases exclusively. This move is poised to significantly reduce delays, procedural setbacks, and case backlogs, ensuring swifter justice delivery.

The newly assigned judges are stationed across major divisions, including:

• Abuja Division – Justices I. E. Ekwo, J. O. Abdulmalik, J. K. Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, M. S. Liman, H. J. Yilwa
• Lagos Division – Justices C. J. Aneke, Y. S. Bogoro, D. E. Osiagor, O. A. Oluseyi
• Port Harcourt Division – Justices P. M. Ayua, A. T. Mohammed
• Other key divisions include Calabar, Asaba, Warri, Yenagoa, Uyo, Kano, Bauchi, Jos, and more

By dispersing dedicated anti-corruption judges across the country, the Federal High Court seeks to dismantle judicial bottlenecks, fast-track high-profile corruption trials, and enforce accountability at an unprecedented scale.

The Federal High Court’s bold restructuring echoes previous judicial reforms initiated under former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen in 2017, where special anti-corruption courts were introduced. The primary objectives then, as now, remain:

1. Fast-tracking corruption cases to curb prolonged trials
2. Minimizing judicial interference in politically sensitive cases
3. Improving conviction rates through focused adjudication

The results were promising—within six months, these special courts delivered 324 judgments, struck out 12 cases, and reserved 62 for judgment.

The EFCC, Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft agency, has long advocated for specialized courts to handle its cases. The appointment of 48 judges aligns with its broader mandate to clamp down on high-profile fraud cases involving:

• Public office holders accused of embezzlement
• Politicians facing financial misappropriation charges
• Corporate entities implicated in illicit financial flows
• Money laundering rings and cybercrime syndicates

EFCC’s Response

Ibrahim Magu, former acting Chairman of the EFCC, previously emphasized the necessity of dedicated anti-corruption courts:

"One of the biggest challenges in our fight against corruption has been judicial delays. The establishment of specialized courts is a significant milestone that will ensure swift justice for economic and financial crimes."

With the newly appointed judges, cases that once dragged on for years due to adjournments, procedural hurdles, and legal loopholes are expected to see swift resolutions, bolstering public confidence in the judicial system.

While the restructuring is a positive step, certain challenges remain:

1. Judicial Integrity: Concerns over judicial independence and possible political interference must be addressed.
2. Case Overload: The efficiency of the appointed judges will depend on how well resources and case files are managed.
3. Appeal Process: Expedited trials may lead to an influx of appeals, potentially burdening higher courts.

Despite these hurdles, the move is widely seen as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s legal landscape, signifying the judiciary’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

This judicial reform could redefine how financial crimes and corruption cases are handled, setting a precedent for other legal reforms across Africa. The success of this initiative will depend on its implementation, monitoring, and ability to withstand political pressures.

By appointing 48 judges exclusively for EFCC cases, the Federal High Court is sending a clear message: the era of judicial delays in corruption trials is over.

The assignment of 48 judges to preside over EFCC-related corruption cases represents one of the most aggressive judicial reforms in recent Nigerian history. By focusing on case resolution speed, judicial efficiency, and eliminating undue interference, this move could usher in a new era of accountability and justice.

With expectations high and public scrutiny intense, the effectiveness of these newly appointed judges will ultimately determine the success or failure of this bold judicial intervention.