Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Defends Government’s Fight Against Money Laundering Before Assurances Committee

Interior Minister Hon. Muntaka Mohammed has assured Parliament that the government is making significant progress in the fight against money laundering and other financial crimes.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Assurances, the Minister disclosed that authorities have identified and frozen numerous tainted assets while simultaneously pursuing criminal prosecutions to prevent suspects from transferring or concealing illegally acquired property.

Hon. Muntaka commended the Chief Justice for supporting the establishment of a dedicated High Court to handle money laundering and related offences, describing the move as a major boost to the speedy prosecution of such cases.

According to him, the specialized court has significantly reduced delays that previously allowed suspects to secure bail and prolong legal proceedings, often frustrating investigators and prosecutors.

The Minister explained that law enforcement agencies now prosecute suspects and freeze their assets concurrently, ensuring that assets are preserved pending the outcome of the cases. He added that this strategy has already enabled the state to begin recovering properties linked to convicted persons.

Despite the progress, Hon. Muntaka noted that appeals remain a challenge, as some convictions are delayed or overturned at the appellate level. He revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Chief Justice on the possibility of establishing a specialized Court of Appeal to handle money laundering cases, arguing that such matters require judges with expertise in financial crimes.

He expressed confidence in the work of investigators, stating that the overwhelming majority of cases brought before the courts are supported by strong evidence, including intelligence gathered through international cooperation.

Hon. Muntaka reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the justice system and ensuring that perpetrators of money laundering and related offences are successfully prosecuted while their illicit assets are recovered for the state.