The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, passed for second reading a Bill seeking to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The proposed amendment aims to introduce mandatory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related crimes.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/yemi.jpg")
Sponsored by Hon. Kayode Akiolu, representing Lagos Island II Federal Constituency, Lagos State, the bill seeks to expand Section 67 of the Principal Act with three additional provisions.
The amendment mandates that magistrates and judges not only sentence convicts to imprisonment and/or fines but also require them to undergo a mandatory period of counselling and training.
Leading the debate, Hon. Akiolu explained that the proposed counselling and training would be developed and administered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria. The program, designed to run for a minimum of four weeks, aims to address the psychological factors contributing to corrupt behavior.
Akiolu stated: “The compulsory anti-corruption counselling and training acknowledges the connection between mental disposition and the primitive accumulation of wealth. This is akin to what psychologists call kleptomania—an impulse control disorder that creates an irresistible urge to steal. The training will help reform convicts, potentially turning them into anti-corruption campaigners.”
He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the reformative goals of the criminal justice system, which aims to rehabilitate offenders rather than solely punish them.
The bill also proposes that convicts may be required to bear the cost of their counselling and training programs, ensuring no additional financial burden on the government.
Akiolu noted: “Magistrates and judges may order convicts to cover the cost of their training. This way, the government incurs no losses but gains significantly from the reformative impact of the program.”
Hon. Akiolu stressed that the bill, if passed, would enhance the country’s anti-corruption efforts by reducing corrupt tendencies and fostering a culture of accountability. He urged his colleagues to support the bill, stating:
“This bill will strengthen the fight against corruption and benefit our nation, which continues to suffer from its devastating effects.”
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “How to use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
