EFCC, NJI Seek Special Judges For Corruption Cases

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) have called for the designation of specialised judges and court staff to handle corruption cases as part of efforts to reduce delays in the administration of justice.

The recommendation is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 8th Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges, held in Abuja from October 13 to 15, 2026.

The workshop, organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the NJI, focused on the investigation and prosecution of economic and financial crimes in a digital age.

According to the communiqué, delays in corruption trials “will be greatly reduced by designating specialized judges and court staff to handle such cases” and equipping them with the necessary skills to ensure the efficient, certain and consistent application of existing laws.

It also called for a review of relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), where necessary, to strike a proper balance between the protection of individual rights and the need for speedy trials.

The communiqué further recommended that investigative and prosecutorial agencies strengthen their standards, including digital evidence management, to ensure that cases are built on credible, reliable and admissible evidence.

It urged a coordinated approach to obtaining confessional statements, including video recording and other safeguards, to protect suspects’ rights and preserve the integrity of investigations.

On asset recovery, the communiqué described non-conviction-based asset forfeiture as an effective tool for recovering stolen assets, while stressing that its use must comply with existing laws, human rights standards and strong institutional oversight. It also called for procedural reforms to allow extensions of the period for freezing suspected proceeds of financial crimes.

The communiqué recommended that anti-corruption agencies, relevant ministries, departments and agencies, the National Assembly and the judiciary develop governance protocols and policy guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in the administration of justice.

It highlighted the need for greater investment in digital forensic laboratories, technology infrastructure and specialised training for investigators, prosecutors and judicial officers.

The communiqué also stated that open-source intelligence should be treated primarily as a source of investigative leads and corroboration, while ensuring that evidence presented in court complies with applicable evidential rules.

It further recommended that the NJI, working with the National Judicial Council, develop accredited certificate and diploma courses to improve the capacity of judges and other stakeholders handling economic and financial crime cases.

The three-day workshop brought together justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, judges of the Federal High Court, state high courts and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, alongside EFCC investigators and prosecutors.

Discussions covered delays and abuse of court processes, digital forensics, the admissibility of confessional statements, virtual assets, asset forfeiture and the use of artificial intelligence in investigating and prosecuting financial crimes.