SERAP faults Saraki’s acquittal, calls for UN backed fight against corruption

A rights group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Thursday faulted the acquittal of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, describing as a shortcoming in the judicial system.

In a statement on Thursday, spokesman for SERAP, Timothy Adewale said that the acquittal seriously weakened the notion that high-ranking public office holders accused of corruption would be held accountable.

“The acquittal yesterday of the Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) of corruption charges suggests serious shortcomings in the criminal justice system, and means that a complementary and supportive mechanism in the form of a UN-backed commission against corruption and impunity in Nigeria is urgently needed to achieve President Muhammadu Buhari’s oft-stated anti-corruption agenda,” he said.

SERAP, therefore, urged the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to urgently and proactively pursue the establishment of a UN-backed International Commission Against Corruption and Impunity to assist the criminal justice system to effectively and efficiently investigate and prosecute high-level corruption cases in the country.

According to SERAP, a UN-backed commission would help to improve the criminal justice system in the short, medium and long terms so that it would be better able to prosecute complex grand corruption cases.

“Further, to end a culture of corruption and impunity of perpetrators, we urge the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN to urgently take over the prosecution of the corruption case against Mr. Saraki by ensuring that the CCT decision is urgently appealed and that the case is diligently prosecuted within the limits of the rule of law.

“The outcome of the Saraki’s case sends a damaging message that suspected corrupt leaders can get away with their crimes while keeping their stolen assets. Many would-be corrupt leaders may now see engaging in acts of corruption a risk worth taking, Adewale said.