Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was involved in a major corruption scandal in 2016. He was accused of awarding a N530 million (about $1.7 million) contract for removing invasive plants in Nigeria's North-East to his own company, Rholavision Engineering Ltd, under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE). This blatant misuse of public office for personal gain is a clear example of the corruption that undermines trust in government. 

George Akume, a prominent Nigerian politician who served as Governor of Benue State and later as a Senator, faces serious allegations of financial misconduct. He is accused of misappropriating N4.56 billion (approximately $11.4 million) in public funds during his governorship. These allegations have sparked demands for investigations by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It’s disheartening to see how easily public funds can be diverted through dubious contracts and inflated costs under the guise of leadership. 

Orji Uzor Kalu, the former Governor of Abia State and current senator, was convicted in 2019 for embezzling ₦7.65 billion (around $20 million) in state funds. However, his conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2020 due to procedural errors, leading to his release from prison. It's almost as if the justice system sometimes prefers to give a free pass rather than address the real issues. 

Godswill Akpabio, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and current Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has faced serious allegations of misappropriating over ₦100 billion (approximately $260 million) during his time as governor. Despite the gravity of these accusations, Akpabio has denied any wrongdoing, and no conviction has been recorded. It seems some politicians have mastered the art of dodging accountability. 

Rochas Okorocha, a former Governor of Imo State and current senator, has been accused of embezzling ₦7.9 billion (around $20 million) and engaging in illegal land acquisitions. In 2021, he was arrested by the EFCC, but despite the serious allegations, he has not been convicted, and investigations are still ongoing. It seems some cases take forever to reach the finish line when it comes to holding the powerful accountable. 

Ali Modu Sheriff, a former Governor of Borno State, has faced serious allegations of corruption and connections to Boko Haram. He has been accused of diverting public funds and mismanaging ₦300 billion (around $780 million) meant for state projects. Despite the severity of these accusations, Sheriff denies all wrongdoing and has not been formally charged. It’s amazing how some seem to dodge the consequences, no matter the size of the allegations. 

Dino Melaye, a former senator, has been implicated in multiple scandals, including an alleged ₦1.6 billion (about $4 million) misappropriation of funds for constituency projects and accusations of gunrunning in 2018. Despite the gravity of these allegations, Melaye denies any wrongdoing and has not been convicted. It seems some scandals have a way of lingering without ever quite sticking. 

James Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, was convicted of money laundering and corruption in the United Kingdom in 2012, involving $250 million in embezzled funds. He served a 13-year prison sentence in the UK and returned to Nigeria in 2016. It’s impressive how some can turn a high-profile conviction into a triumphant return home. 

Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Minister of Petroleum Resources (2010–2015), is accused of embezzling and mismanaging $20 billion from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). In 2017, the EFCC seized properties valued at $37.5 million and luxury items worth $40 million from her. She now faces multiple charges in both Nigeria and the UK. It’s astonishing how some can turn public funds into personal fortunes while facing minimal immediate consequences.