From Idris to Emefiele: Nigeria’s biggest corruption cases in focus

A number of Nigeria’s former senior public officials are currently facing investigations, criminal prosecutions and asset forfeiture proceedings involving hundreds of billions of naira in alleged diverted public funds and illicitly acquired assets.

The ongoing cases, spearheaded largely by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involve former ministers, governors, and top government officials accused of corruption, money laundering, abuse of office and contract fraud. While some cases remain before the courts, others have resulted in convictions and forfeiture of assets.

Below is a summary of some of the country’s most prominent corruption cases.

Ahmed Idris Faces Trial Over Alleged N109.5 Billion Diversion

Former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, is standing trial over allegations that he diverted approximately N109.5 billion through fraudulent contracts and other financial transactions.

The EFCC arrested Idris on May 16, 2022, on allegations bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds.

He is being prosecuted alongside Geoffrey Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama on a 14-count charge.

Idris has pleaded not guilty, while proceedings in the case continue.

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Saleh Mamman Convicted Over N33.8 Billion Fraud

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, was recently convicted for his role in the diversion of N33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla Hydropower Project.

The court found him guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the EFCC and ordered the forfeiture of properties identified as proceeds of the crime.

Mamman received seven-year jail terms on 10 counts, while he was sentenced to three years and two years respectively on the remaining counts.

Malami, Family Face N8.7 Billion Money Laundering Charges as N213 Billion Assets Remain Under Forfeiture

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife and two sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru Rahman Malami, is facing a 16-count money laundering charge involving N8.71 billion.

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In January 2026, a court ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami and his sons.

According to the EFCC, the properties are valued at approximately N213.23 billion and are suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.

The defendants have denied all allegations, while the matter remains before the court.

Emefiele Battles N154.39 Billion Fraud Charges, Loses 753 Housing Units

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is facing multiple criminal charges over the alleged diversion of N154.39 billion and related offences.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Separately, a Federal High Court ordered the final forfeiture of 753 housing units linked to the former CBN governor after the EFCC argued that the estate was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

The estate was subsequently handed over to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in 2025.

Hadi Sirika Faces Trial Over Alleged N8.06 Billion Contract Fraud

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, is standing trial over allegations of N8.06 billion contract fraud.

The EFCC accused Sirika of abusing his office by awarding contracts worth about N19.4 billion to Enginos Nigeria Limited, a company allegedly linked to his family.

He is being tried alongside his brother, Ahmad Abubakar, and the company on an eight-count charge.

All the defendants have denied the allegations.

Yahaya Bello Faces Multiple Charges Over Alleged N80.2 Billion Money Laundering

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is facing trial over allegations that he diverted approximately N80.2 billion in public funds during his tenure.

The EFCC has charged Bello with 19 counts bordering on money laundering.

In a separate case, he is standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge involving alleged criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to about N110.4 billion.

The anti-graft agency recently tendered additional bank records as evidence in the ongoing proceedings.

Anti-Corruption Drive Continues

The ongoing prosecutions underscore the Federal Government’s continued anti-corruption campaign, with the EFCC pursuing cases involving alleged financial crimes worth several hundreds of billions of naira.

While one of the cases has resulted in conviction, most remain before various courts, where the accused persons continue to maintain their innocence pending the determination of the charges against them.