The dismissal of the corruption case against Erastus Akingbola for 'want of diligent prosecution' is very sad indeed and has again brought to the fore the lip service we pay to fighting corruption in Nigeria. At a time like this when corruption has practically castrated our nation, prosecuting cases like this should attract 'over-diligence' if there is any such thing. However, we are only used to situations where goat thieves and pick pockets are being handed long jail terms while those who are being accused of stealing billions of naira have been consistently finding their way around the Nigerian judiciary. I hope this does not give credence to the mantra of a lawyer friend of mine that 'you only get punished for stealing in Nigeria if you have not stolen enough to enable you to clear your 'good name'. If it does, then this country is doomed.
Odedeyi Adekunle,
126 Matogun Road,
Agbado Oke-Aro,
Ogun State.
+23480565647
The Punch