The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has come under public scrutiny after reports revealed that it spent millions of naira sponsoring judges for a trip to the United Kingdom. According to records from the government’s expenditure tracking platform, Govspend, the payment—made on August 27, 2025—was issued to Wakanow.com Limited.
The report claimed that about N54 million was used to fund the trip of five judges to London, a development that has sparked debate over public spending and judicial independence. However, the EFCC has pushed back against the figure, describing it as exaggerated and not an accurate reflection of the actual cost.
Reacting to the controversy, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained that the trip was not a luxury outing but part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity in tackling financial crimes. He noted that the judges were nominated by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and attended an international symposium hosted at the University of Cambridge.
According to Oyewale, the symposium brings together global experts to share knowledge and experiences on corruption, money laundering, and financial crime investigations. He added that participants included not just judges, but also EFCC officials and other stakeholders involved in the anti-corruption ecosystem.
Despite the justification, the development has raised concerns among observers who question the optics of anti-graft agencies funding trips for judicial officers. Critics argue that such arrangements could create perceptions of influence, especially in a system where the judiciary is expected to remain strictly independent.
The situation has also drawn comparisons to a similar controversy involving the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria in 2023, when reports emerged about sponsored training for judges abroad. That incident sparked widespread debate about the relationship between government agencies and the judiciary.
As discussions continue, the EFCC maintains that the sponsorship was legitimate and beneficial, insisting that building capacity among stakeholders is key to strengthening Nigeria’s fight against corruption