Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and legal scholar at the University of Lagos, Dr. Wahab Shittu, has thrown his weight behind the House of Representatives’ decision to audit all recovered assets since 1999, while also calling for tougher anti-terrorism laws, including the retention of the death penalty for convicted terrorists.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Shittu described both issues as critical to strengthening Nigeria’s justice system, combating corruption and improving national security.
His remarks followed the House of Representatives’ resolution directing a comprehensive audit of all assets seized, forfeited, recovered, managed, disposed of or repatriated by government agencies since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, as well as recent public debates over the sentencing of terrorists convicted over the Oriire school abduction.
Backing the lawmakers’ resolution, the senior advocate said Nigeria urgently needs a transparent inventory of all recovered assets to prevent them from being diverted by officials entrusted with their management.
“I agree with the House of Representatives. An immediate audit should be taken so that we know all assets that have been recovered from 1999 to date,” he said.
According to him, the exercise should extend beyond the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to include the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, the Code of Conduct Bureau and every government institution involved in asset recovery.
Shittu proposed the establishment of a special independent panel to compile a comprehensive database of recovered assets, revisit previous reports such as those of the Salami Panel, identify possible leakages and determine how much of the recovered funds remain in the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“Nothing should be missing. Whoever is found to have connived in diverting recovered assets should be brought to book,” he stated.
He further advocated centralising the management of recovered assets under the agency created by the Proceeds of Crime Act, arguing that a unified system would improve transparency, accountability and public confidence.
The legal scholar noted that if properly managed, recovered assets could generate significant revenue for governments at all levels and support national development.
Shittu also acknowledged improvements in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, citing recent recoveries and forfeitures secured by the EFCC under its current leadership.
According to him, high-profile recoveries involving former public officials demonstrate increasing institutional effectiveness in the fight against corruption.
“There is a lot of improvement. While corruption can never be completely eliminated, our institutions must continue putting measures in place to reduce it to the barest minimum,” he said.
Turning to national security, Shittu maintained that terrorism remains one of the gravest crimes against humanity and should attract the stiffest punishments available under Nigerian law.
While acknowledging that judges can only impose sentences permitted under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, he called on the National Assembly to amend the legislation to make the death penalty mandatory for convicted terrorists where appropriate.
“Deat penalty for terrorists should not be negotiable,” he declared.
According to him, judges should not be criticised for imposing life imprisonment where existing legislation does not provide for capital punishment.
“Judges cannot act outside the statutory framework. Until the law is amended, they have no option but to work within the law,” he explained.
The SAN noted that the conviction of foreign nationals in recent terrorism cases highlights the cross-border nature of insecurity.
He urged Nigeria to strengthen intelligence sharing, border security and collaboration with neighbouring countries to dismantle terrorist networks.
“The judiciary alone cannot fight terrorism. It requires national and international cooperation,” he said.
Beyond punishment, Shittu stressed that victims of terrorism deserve restitution.
He proposed the creation of a Victims Trust Fund to provide financial compensation, rehabilitation and long-term support for victims and families affected by terrorist attacks.
“Mass convictions without restitution or reparations are inadequate. Government should institutionalise a Victims Trust Fund to compensate those affected by terrorism,” he said.
He also advised government against negotiating with terrorists or yielding to ransom demands, warning that such actions weaken the state’s authority and encourage further criminality.
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