What kind of justice do you call this ? Abayomi Odunowo.
In a shocking turn of events, the head of the Police Pension Board, Yakubu Yusuf, was recently sentenced to two years in prison after he pleaded guilty to embezzling a staggering N23.3 billion. This case has raised serious concerns about the state of justice in our society and has left many questioning the fairness and integrity of our legal system.
The fact that Yusuf was given an option of paying N250 thousand to avoid the jail sentence is a clear indication that justice in Nigeria is being compromised. How can someone who has stolen such a massive amount of money be let off the hook with a mere payment of N250 thousand? It’s outrageous and unacceptable. The message that this decision sends to the public is that it’s perfectly fine to engage in corruption and embezzlement as long as you can afford to pay your way out of it.
Furthermore, the seizure of property valued at N325 million from Yusuf is simply not enough to serve as a deterrent for others who might be tempted to engage in similar criminal activities. It’s evident that the punishment does not match the severity of the crime. Instead of being held accountable for his actions and facing the full consequences of his crimes, Yusuf has been given a slap on the wrist and allowed to walk away with a relatively small loss compared to the astronomical amount of money he stole.
It’s high time that the Nigerian legal system takes a stand against corruption and ensures that those who engage in such criminal activities face the full force of the law. Corruption is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of our society, and it’s imperative that we send a clear message that it will not be tolerated.
In addition to the lenient punishment given to Yusuf, it’s also essential to consider the impact of his actions on the community and the people who were directly affected by his embezzlement. The N23.3 billion that he stole is a significant amount of money that could have been used to improve the lives of countless individuals. Instead, it has been siphoned off by a corrupt individual who has shown a blatant disregard for the well-being of others.
It’s crucial that restitution be made to the victims of Yusuf’s crimes, and that steps be taken to ensure that the money is recovered and used for its intended purpose. Moreover, the direct family of Yakubu Yusuf should also be penalized for his actions. They should not be allowed to benefit from the ill-gotten gains of their family member, and measures should be taken to hold them accountable for any involvement they may have had in the embezzlement.
It’s time for our legal system to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. It’s not enough to simply punish those who engage in corruption; we must also work to prevent it from happening in the first place. This requires a concerted effort to root out corruption at all levels of government and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the lenient punishment given to Yakubu Yusuf sends a dangerous message that corruption will be tolerated in our society. It’s imperative that we take a stand against corruption and work towards building a society where justice prevails and the rule of law is upheld. We must demand accountability from those in positions of power and work towards creating a society where the rights of all individuals are protected and upheld.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
29th January, 2024.
