Illicit Wealth Must Not Be Allowed To Fund Crime, Influence, Impunity – Appeal Court President

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has said that every act of corruption represents more than a financial loss to Nigeria.

Dongban-Mensem, who spoke at the 43rd Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime, which ended at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (UK), said illicit wealth must not be allowed to further fund crime, influence, or impunity.

Through her media aide, Garr Bukola, Justice Dongban-Mensem stressed that economic crime is “not merely a financial problem” but a question of social justice, as stolen resources “deprive societies of opportunities” and weaken public confidence.

In her keynote address, the Appeal Court president said behind every stolen public resource is a human consequence.

She continued, “Every act of corruption represents more than a financial loss. For most of us in Nigeria, behind every stolen public resource is a human consequence: schools that remain unbuilt, hospitals that remain unequipped, infrastructure that remains incomplete, and communities deprived of essential services and opportunities.”

“Accordingly, asset recovery must be understood not simply as the recovery of money or property, but as an act of restoring justice. It affirms the principle that public resources belong to the people and must be administered in the public interest”.

Justice Dongban-Mensem said the challenges of economic crime cannot be overcome by any single institution, jurisdiction, or profession.

“Judges, prosecutors, investigators, legislators, regulators, financial institutions, academics, and civil society organisations each have an essential role in advancing justice”, she also said.
She said asset recovery is not merely a technical legal exercise.

Justice Dongban-Mensem said while acknowledging the significant progress achieved in supporting victim communities, we must continue to emphasize the importance of strengthening restorative justice systems and institutional capacity in jurisdictions where illicit assets are identified, concealed, or located.

“The administration of recovered assets must adhere to principles of transparency, integrity, and public accountability. Also responsible stewardship ensures Asset Recovery is not complete upon identification and seizure of assets. Its effectiveness requires their lawful preservation, accountable management, and appropriate utilisation”, she said.