CCB probes assets of 20 ministers, 30 perm secs — Chairman

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has conducted investigations into the assets of over 20 ministers and 30 permanent secretaries, as part of its efforts to enhance accountability among public officials. This initiative was disclosed by CCB Chairman Abdullahi Bello during a workshop on anti-corruption and asset-tracing held in Abuja.

Bello emphasized that the CCB has shifted from merely accepting asset declaration forms to actively examining these declarations, conducting investigations, and prosecuting offenders. The bureau has specifically targeted high-profile public officers for its verification exercise, which includes interviewing and verifying the relations of more than 20 ministers, 30 permanent secretaries, 32 health agencies, and other high-profile individuals.

Bello explained that the CCB invites public officers to its office for face-to-face examinations of their records, verifying them at the start and end of their tenure. If there is a difference between these verifications, indicating non-social income, the bureau will investigate and prosecute the individual. The CCB can initiate an investigation before an official's term ends if allegations or intelligence exist.

Bello stressed that the investigation process can commence even before an official's tenure concludes if there is sufficient evidence. During the workshop, HEDA Executive Secretary Arigbabu Sulaimon highlighted that the meeting aimed to bolster inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and the role of civil society in combating corruption.

The workshop was conceptualized as a technical working session to advance three core objectives: bridging interagency silos, fostering civic synergy, and enhancing the use of the Proceeds of Crime Act and the CCB's statutory mechanisms in tracing and recovering illicit assets. Sulaimon also called for stronger safeguards to encourage whistleblowers to report corruption and other crimes.