The Federal Government has urged the judiciary to take a pivotal role in strengthening
Nigeria’s capital market by delivering prompt and well-reasoned judgments that inspire
investor confidence.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this call at a two-day Judges’ Workshop hosted by
the Securities and Exchange Commission in Abuja, themed “Repositioning the Nigerian
Capital Market for National Economic Transformation through Effective Dispute Resolution.”
Represented by his Economic Adviser, Tope Fasua, Shettima stressed that investor
protection and regulatory clarity are fundamental to the market’s development.
“The capital market is far more than a trading platform it is a critical driver of economic
transformation, job creation, and industrialisation,” he stated.
He emphasised the need for swift, fair, and expert dispute resolution as a means to
safeguard investor interests and deter unethical practices.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Justice Stephen Adah,
highlighted the judiciary’s role as guardians of commercial justice.
Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Emomotimi Agama, noted
that the workshop was convened in response to the recent passage of the Investment and
Securities Act 2025 a landmark reform aimed at strengthening the capital market.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun
Olukoyede, has disclosed that the Commission has taken legal action against 58 illegal
investment schemes, resulting in two convictions so far. He noted that several high-profile
cases are still ongoing, including those involving global cryptocurrency exchange Binance
and CBEX, a suspected fraudulent investment platform.
Olukoyede made the revelation while addressing participants at the two-day Judges’
Workshop organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Abuja. The
workshop, themed “Repositioning the Nigerian Capital Market for National Economic
Transformation through Effective Dispute Resolution,” brought together key stakeholders to
discuss reforms and challenges within the capital market.
According to the EFCC Chairman, the proliferation of illegal investment schemes poses a
serious threat to investor confidence and economic stability. He stressed the need for
stronger collaboration between regulatory agencies, the judiciary, and law enforcement to
protect investors and restore integrity in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
He further explained that many of these schemes lure unsuspecting Nigerians with promises of unrealistic returns, often resulting in significant financial losses for thousands of investors.
Olukoyede urged the judiciary to prioritise financial crime cases and deliver timely, well-
informed judgments that would serve as a deterrent to fraudulent operators.
The cases against Binance and CBEX, he said, reflect the Commission’s commitment to
tackling complex and cross-border financial crimes. He reaffirmed the EFCC’s dedication to
prosecuting such cases to their logical conclusion while ensuring justice for victims.
Olukoyede also called for continuous judicial training on emerging financial crimes,
especially those involving digital assets and virtual currencies. He emphasised that a well-
informed judiciary is essential to delivering justice in a rapidly evolving financial landscape,
ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market remains secure and attractive to investors.
