Basil Odilim
In the late 1990s, notorious financial criminals in Nigeria demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by transitioning from their infamous “419” scam operations into the realm of politics. Recognizing that political power could offer far greater financial rewards and protection than scamming wealthy individuals and corporations worldwide, these ferociously dangerous men of the underworld devised a strategic plan to ensure their activities would go unchecked.
They quickly moved to capture and dominate Nigeria’s political landscape, seeking positions of influence that would grant them access to and control over the public treasury.
Understanding the importance of safeguarding their new criminal ventures, these political criminals swiftly targeted the judiciary, recognizing it as a critical institution that could either hinder or facilitate their corrupt ambitions. By aligning themselves with like-minded allies and placing them in key judicial roles, they effectively hijacked the legal system, ensuring it would serve their interests rather than uphold justice.
With the judiciary under their influence, along with like-minded attorneys general, these criminals-turned-politicians have successfully occupied and plundered the nation for decades with little opposition. Their control over both the political and judicial systems has allowed them to operate with near impunity, siphoning off public funds and resources without fear of prosecution.
In a country where those who control the state apparatus can exploit it with little resistance, this strategic occupation of Nigeria’s political and judicial institutions has enabled a small elite to enrich themselves at the expense of the nation and its people.
