Project Abstract

Abstract
Corruption is a pervasive issue that affects many aspects of society, including economic development, political stability, and social cohesion. In the context of Nigeria, corruption has been a long-standing problem that has had a significant impact on the country's progress. This research project aims to examine the concept of corruption under Nigerian criminal law, focusing on the legal framework that governs corrupt practices and the enforcement mechanisms in place to combat corruption. The study will delve into the definition of corruption under Nigerian criminal law, exploring the various forms of corrupt practices that are covered by existing legislation. This will include an analysis of offenses such as bribery, embezzlement, abuse of office, and money laundering, among others. By examining the specific provisions of the relevant laws, the research will seek to provide clarity on what constitutes corruption in the Nigerian legal context. Furthermore, the project will examine the penalties and sanctions that are prescribed for corrupt activities under Nigerian criminal law. This will involve a detailed analysis of the legal consequences that individuals and entities face when found guilty of engaging in corrupt practices. By exploring the severity of the punishments for corruption-related offenses, the research aims to assess the deterrence value of the existing legal framework in combating corruption. In addition to the substantive laws governing corruption, the study will also investigate the enforcement mechanisms that are in place to address corruption in Nigeria. This will involve an examination of the roles and responsibilities of key institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC). By assessing the effectiveness of these enforcement agencies, the research seeks to evaluate the capacity of the Nigerian criminal justice system to hold perpetrators of corruption accountable. Overall, this research project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the legal framework surrounding corruption in Nigeria. By analyzing the definition of corruption, the penalties for corrupt practices, and the enforcement mechanisms in place, the study aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities in combatting corruption under Nigerian criminal law. The findings of this research may have implications for policy development and legal reforms aimed at strengthening the anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.

Project Overview

This research work examines corruption, its legal effect, its meanings and peculiar manifestation in the Nigeria society. Abortive efforts made in the past to curtail the problem, and present experiments to eradicate the scourges from our polity are also examined. The term, “corruption” implies an undue advantage, abuse of office, undeserved favour obtained through manipulation of rule or status, any untoward conduct, occasioned by graft or promise of same. In other words, whenever and wherever a party performs a service or obligation in exchange for some gratification or refuses to perform his duty as a result of conferment of some benefits or promise of same, he is said to be corrupt.

This dissertation is broken into five chapters. Chapter one deals with general introduction, chapter two deals with concept of corruption, chapter three deals with corruption and criminal law in Nigeria, chapter four deals with curbing corruption in Nigeria, chapter five deals with conclusion and recommendations.

Finally, in the concluding part, suggestions are made, as to how Nigeria youths, educational institution of learning, the judiciary, legislative Assembly and religious Institutions can be active agents in the effort to return sanity to our society, enthroning the virtues, of honesty, transparency and accountability in their dealings.