Bill to Amend Corrupt Practices Act Passes Second Reading in House of Reps

A bill aimed at amending the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos), seeks to introduce compulsory counseling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offenses.

The proposed amendment to Section 67 of the principal act requires judges and magistrates to impose a minimum of four weeks of anti-corruption counseling and training, in addition to imprisonment and/or fines. The counseling and training programs will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behavior.

Rep. Akiolu emphasized that the training aims to reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and potentially transforming them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts. This approach aligns with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, focusing on both punishment and rehabilitation.

The bill also allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the costs of their counseling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government.

Following the debate, the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.