By Zainab Rauf, Abuja The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Hon. Justice Mainasara Umar Kogo, has issued a stern warning to p...
By Zainab Rauf, Abuja
The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Hon. Justice Mainasara Umar Kogo, has issued a stern warning to public officers to declare their assets or risk forfeiting them to the Federal Government.
Justice Mainasara gave the warning during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, at the Bureau’s headquarters in Abuja. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration between the two anti-graft institutions to fast-track the fight against corruption and curb asset concealment in the public service.
Describing the visit as a “homecoming,” Justice Kogo, who served as the Tribunal’s Chief Registrar 23 years ago, commended Dr. Bello for what he called his “theory of moral rectitude” and efforts toward “sanitising the public service.” He praised the Bureau for reviving the spirit of Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the State to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of office.
Decrying the slow pace of corruption trials in Nigeria, Justice Kogo revealed that several cases remain pending before the Tribunal, some dating back nearly two decades. He lamented that many accused persons had either retired or advanced in their careers, stressing that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
He disclosed that an amendment to the CCB and CCT Act is currently underway, proposing to rename the body as the Code of Conduct and Anti-Corruption Court, with expanded powers to conclude all cases within six weeks. The planned reforms also include the establishment of six judicial divisions across the country and an increase in the number of judges from two to 36 to ensure simultaneous regional hearings.
In his remarks, CCB Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello commended Justice Kogo’s reform-driven vision, affirming that both institutions share the same anti-corruption philosophy.
He reiterated the Bureau’s operational mantra — “Declare or Forfeit” — and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Tribunal in harmonising amendment proposals into a single legal framework.
“We are guided by the same law,” Dr. Bello said. “Let’s collaborate to develop a unified, effective system that benefits both institutions and strengthens accountability across public service.”
Dr. Bello disclosed that the Bureau has decentralised its operations by creating six zonal offices and deploying directors to handle investigations at regional levels. He assured that this structure will enhance case preparation and ensure a steady flow of well-documented cases to the Tribunal for timely prosecution.
Both leaders agreed that closer synergy between the CCB and the CCT is essential to achieving faster prosecutions, securing more convictions, and deterring corrupt practices across all levels of government.
It will be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Justice Mainasara Umar Kogo as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal on July 13, 2024, in recognition of his competence, professionalism, integrity, and fidelity to national service. He was sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on October 7, 2025.
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