UNIJOS don wants special courts for corruption cases

A don at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Professor Sylvester Shikyit, has called on the Federal Government to set up special courts that will handle corruption cases.

In a Sunday interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos, Shikyit said only special courts can ensure the speedy prosecution of corruption cases and related matters.

“At the moment, corruption cases are being handled just like any other normal judicial matter, which to me, is archaic," Shikyit said.

“I want a situation where by we will have special courts just like the tribunals hearing election petitions to handle corruption cases.

“The advantage is that it will lead to speedy disposal of such cases as against the longer period it takes to conclude other matters."

Shikyit, who Heads the institution’s Department of Public Law, called President Muhammadu Buhari's anti-corruption drive a 'right step in the right direction' which will aid Nigeria's development.

"Corruption as we all know is one of the greatest challenges to all our developmental efforts in this country and any little attempt by government of the day to fight it is highly welcomed," he added.

“Once the government of the day has the political will to take this war to a certain level, and with little support from the public, it will wither the storm."

He however urged the government to ensure that prosecution is done according to the law with proper investigation.