Talking Invitation’ Approach and EFCC: Recovering Billions from Two Troubled Women in the Fight Against Corruption -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

In a groundbreaking development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved a monumental feat by recovering over N30 billion from an alleged money laundering scheme within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development in Nigeria. What sets this achievement apart is the fact that the EFCC accomplished this without resorting to the traditional path of immediate court intervention, instead employing a unique and innovative strategy known as the “Talking Invitation.”

Within this deeply disturbing matter concerning the nation’s public treasury, two women have emerged as central figures. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, under the former minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, came under intense scrutiny as the EFCC recovered a staggering amount of over N30 billion, allegedly laundered during her tenure. Additionally, the EFCC uncovered over N500 million in connection with a scam associated with Sadiya Umar-Farouk’s successor, Betta Edu, who was recently suspended.

The scandal, involving an alleged sum of N37,170,855,753.44, sent shockwaves through the nation when it was revealed that this massive amount had been laundered through the ministry. The money had been transferred from government coffers to 38 different bank accounts, raising serious concerns about corruption at the highest levels of government. However, the EFCC, under what could be termed the “Talking Invitation” strategy, managed to recover an impressive N30 billion from the laundered funds.

The EFCC’s “Talking Invitation” strategy involves inviting individuals involved in corruption to their offices, prioritizing their well-being throughout the process. Recognizing that psychological pressures can affect individuals differently, this approach should take into account potential vulnerabilities, especially among females. To ensure their safety, a medical professional or nurse should be on hand to monitor their health, including taking their blood pressure, as high levels of stress and tension can have adverse effects.

At the heart of this approach lies continuous engagement and persistent negotiations with individuals suspected of involvement in corrupt practices. Under this strategy, individuals are not immediately incarcerated; instead, they are placed on bail, and their passports may be retained, ensuring they are free to cooperate and provide critical information.

The EFCC must maintain ongoing contact with these individuals, holding regular meetings, interviews, and discussions to gather vital information about corrupt activities and the whereabouts of embezzled funds. What sets “Talking Invitation” apart is the emphasis on the psychological aspect of the process.

The “Talking Invitation” approach leverages psychological pressure to encourage individuals to reveal information and cooperate with authorities. The ongoing nature of these discussions creates an environment of uncertainty and anxiety for those involved in corruption. They are well aware that their actions are under constant scrutiny, and the fear of legal consequences and public exposure becomes a powerful motivator for them to disclose critical details.

One of the primary objectives of the “Talking Invitation” strategy is to expedite the process of asset recovery. By avoiding protracted court proceedings, the EFCC can recover stolen funds more efficiently. This approach ensures that the money is returned to the public treasury swiftly, preventing it from being shared or hidden further.

Crucially, transparency is maintained throughout these negotiations, ensuring that the process is conducted ethically and within the boundaries of the law. The “Talking Invitation” strategy operates within a clear legal framework, respecting the rights of all parties involved and adhering to principles of justice and due process.

One distinctive feature of the “Talking Invitation” approach is that it eliminates the immediate need for incarceration. Individuals involved, including bankers and other facilitators, are not locked up but rather are continuously invited to cooperate. The emphasis is on dialogue rather than imprisonment.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Musa Muhammad Dattijo recently expressed concerns about the unpredictability of Nigerian court decisions and allegations of corruption within the judiciary. His worries shed light on the challenges of relying solely on the traditional judicial system in corruption cases. The “Talking Invitation” approach, by contrast, avoids these potential pitfalls.

Even if at the end of the “Talking Invitation” process, cases are taken to court, the critical achievement is that most or a significant part of the embezzled funds have already been successfully recovered and returned to the treasury. While the need for punishment of wrongdoers remains vital, it is imperative to ensure that these cases are heard by judges who prioritize the rule of law over monetary influence or compromise.

To maintain the integrity of the justice system, it is essential to have a selection process for judges that emphasizes their commitment to upholding the rule of law, fairness, and transparency. Judges who are not swayed by external pressures, including financial incentives or political influence, are crucial to the credibility of the legal process.

By appointing judges who firmly believe in the rule of law, the justice system can counteract the corrosive effects of corruption that may have infiltrated the judiciary. These judges will ensure that cases are heard fairly, evidence is thoroughly examined, and verdicts are based on the merits of each case, rather than external factors.

The EFCC’s success in recovering billions without immediate court intervention showcases the effectiveness of the “Talking Invitation” approach. By prioritizing negotiations and asset recovery, while still upholding the principles of justice and due process, this strategy has the potential to serve as a transformative tool in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining transparency, respecting legal rights, and harnessing psychological pressure as a means to encourage cooperation. As Nigeria continues its battle against corruption, innovative strategies like “Talking Invitation” may prove to be pivotal in recovering stolen funds and holding corrupt individuals accountable, ensuring that the ill-gotten wealth finds its way back to the public treasury, not into the pockets of the corrupt.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. John.Oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu