Does EACC have a role to play in vetting persons seeking public office?
Yes. The Constitution obligates the Commission to enforce the provisions of Chapter Six on Leadership and Integrity. This Chapter requires persons seeking public office to be selected on the basis of personal integrity, competence and suitability. To determine this threshold, the Commission is mandated to inquire into the conduct of such persons and make recommendations to the interested institutions. In this regard, members of the public are encouraged to provide information touching on the integrity of such persons to the Commission or any other body considering them for appointment or election to public office.
What are the penalties for corruption offences and economic crimes?
Any person found guilty of corruption offences or economic crimes shall be liable to: In addition,
Have there been incidences where people impersonate staff of EACC?
Yes. The Commission has encountered such incidences where some people posing as officers of the Commission defraud unsuspecting members of the public purporting to be investigating corruption. Members of the public are advised to verify the identity of such persons from the nearest Commission office, seek assistance from the nearest police station or better still call 0729888881/2/3 and ask to speak to the Head of Investigations.
Does the Commission have power to prosecute cases it investigates?
No. The power to prosecute criminal corruption cases is with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The existing legal framework does not give the Commission the power to prosecute criminal cases. The Commission investigates cases that fall within its mandate and makes recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecutions for appropriate action. However, regarding civil cases relating to corruptly acquired assets, EACC has powers to file cases in court for recovery of such assets.