Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has called on the judiciary and the entire bench to support the ongoing war against corruption in the country.

Magu made the call on Wednesday in Benin at an event organised to mark African Anti-Corruption Day, with the theme, “Winning the fight against corruption: a sustainable path to Africa’s transformation.”

The anti-graft agency boss who was represented at the event by the head of Benin Zonal Office, Yakubu Malafia, described the level of corruption in the country as shocking, destructive and totally unacceptable.

According to him, “The depth and gravity of corruption in the country can be seen in the fact that between January and July 2018 alone, the EFCC has secured 142 convictions, including Reverend Jolly Nyame and Chief Joshua Dariye, former Governors of Plateau and Taraba States respectively.”

Magu explained that none of the personalities arrested for corruption that was politically motivated, saying that whoever found to have involved in corruption, irrespective of the political affiliation, would be arrested and prosecuted.

He called on Nigerians, trade union and civil society organisations to support the commission in restoring transparency, accountability and due process in governance.

Magu, reiterated the determination of the commission to win the war against corruption , saying war against corruption cannot be won by EFCC alone.

Magu said this on the occasion of the Road Walk Against Corruption commemorating the African Anti-Corruption Day with the theme “Winning the fight against corruption” held in Gombe on Wednesday.

Represented by Johnson Babalola, the North-East Zonal Coordinator, EFCC, Magu said Nigeria had one of the most extensive and deeply entrenched culture of corruption on the African continent.

“The depth and gravity of corruption in our country is alarming.

“This is because our country has one of the most extensive and deeply entrenched culture of corruption on the African continent, if not universally.

“This is an indication that we are determined to win the corruption war, no matter how long it would take.

“The commission has traced and recovered illicit funds as well as properties worth billions of Dollars.

“This level of corruption is shocking, destructive and totally unacceptable,” he said.

He emphasised that the fight against corruption cannot be won by EFCC alone, urging all Nigerians, especially judges and judicial officers to support and cooperate with EFCC in the struggle to free Nigeria from corruption.

Also speaking Babalola, North-East Zonal Coordinator, said that 20 convictions were recorded from courts in his zone between January and July,

He commended the judiciary for supporting the commission’s fight against corruption, saying that the commission has secured 142 convictions from various courts between January and July across the country.

“Between January and July 2018 alone, the EFCC had secured 142 convictions amongst which are that of Jolly Nyame and Joshua Dariye the former governors of Plateau and Taraba states,” he said.