UK To Investigate Corrupt Nigerians

The United Kingdom has set up an international corruption unit to investigate cases of corruption in developing countries, especially Nigeria.

This Day reports that a source at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) noted that with the help of the unit the fight against the menace would receive great boost in Nigeria.




“UK government is aware that unlike before, Nigeria is very serious in the fight against corruption and that is why they are lending their helping hands to join the country and other developing ones who are serious about the fight against the menace.

“Our stolen money will surely be recovered in no time. This will help in the development of infrastructure in the country and the masses will benefit immensely in the gesture.”

According to the source, the UK will investigate cases of international corruption through a new specialist unit launched by Justine Greening, international development secretary.

“The new International Corruption Unit (ICU) brings together existing investigation and intelligence units funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) from the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police and National Crime Agency.

“The multi-agency team will be operated by the National Crime Agency and be the central point for investigating international corruption in the UK.

“Justine Greening said corruption is not only picking the pockets of the poor, it is an enemy of prosperity and a brake on a country’s development. Through the ICU the best of British law enforcement will step up our aid work combating corruption head-on across the developing world.

“The message to individuals and companies who see developing countries as fair game is that the UK has zero tolerance for overseas bribery and corruption,” the source said.


It is worth mentioning that since 2006, DFID-police units have investigated more than 150 cases of overseas bribery and recovered £200 million of stolen assets. They also successfully prosecuted 27 individuals and one company.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has concluded plans to retrieve government property from officials who served in the administration of Goodluck Jonathan. This is seen as one of the measures taken by the president to return resources that belong to the country.