Renowned legal professor and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission Chidi Odinkalu recently responded to the Abuja Federal High Court’s sentencing of the Head of the Police Pension Board on his official X (previously Twitter) account.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The court sentenced the official to two years in prison after finding him guilty of embezzling 23.3 billion naira, however, the court also gave him the option to pay a fine of 250,000 naira instead of serving time in jail.
Odinkalu took to his social media to express his frustration regarding the ruling and questioned the implications of a justice system that allows those convicted of high-value theft to avoid prison by paying a minimal fine.
“I am told there is democracy; plutocracy and lootocracy. Pls I am looking for a friend to help me work out the difference between these. Your assistance will be,” Odinkalu wrote.
The case has brought public outrage, with many Nigerians expressing disbelief over what they see as lenient punishment for high-level corruption.
Many argue that allowing a top official to pay such a small fine after embezzling billions sends a discouraging message to the public about the consequences of corruption.
Odinkalu’s comments reflect a growing opinion in Nigeria that certain individuals are treated leniently by the justice system due to their wealth or status.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
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