An appraisal of the Nigerian Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 as an instrument against financial crimes

Introduces the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 as a monumental attempt at social engineering in a country labelled as the most corrupt in the world. Examines the Act’s structure, including the detailed nature of the Commission it set up, focusing on the measures to ensure its independence and authority. Outlines the main offences under the Act, pointing that conspiracy or attempt to commit corruption is now as culpable as the offence itself. Assesses how workable the Act is; one of the main problems that could affect its effectiveness is the draftsmanship, so the courts need to adopt a liberal rather than literal interpretive approach to it, and notes that, fortunately, Nigerian courts in general are moving in this direction.