Peter Obi Slams Selective Justice, Says Big Corruption Cases Are Being Ignored
Peter Obi Criticises Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Focus, Says “Big Thieves” Are Being Ignored
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| Photo Credit: Peter Obi (Facebook) |
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has again raised concerns about Nigeria’s approach to fighting corruption, arguing that enforcement efforts often target low-level offenders while individuals accused of stealing far larger public funds face little or no consequences.
Speaking during a public engagement, Obi lamented that authorities appear more eager to pursue young people accused of internet fraud, commonly referred to as yahoo-yahoo, while alleged large-scale looting of public resources continues unchecked.
Obi clarified that he does not support internet fraud or any form of criminal activity, but stressed that justice must be proportional and impartial. According to him, a system that aggressively prosecutes minor offenders while shielding politically exposed individuals undermines public trust and weakens the rule of law.
He argued that corruption at the highest levels causes far greater damage to society, depriving citizens of quality healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.
Over the years, Peter Obi has consistently maintained that Nigeria’s corruption problem is not a lack of laws, but a lack of political will and fairness in enforcement. He has repeatedly called for:
-Transparent investigation of public officials
-Recovery of stolen public funds
-Equal application of the law regardless of status or influence
On several occasions, Obi has warned that selective justice sends the wrong signal to young Nigerians, creating the impression that crime only becomes punishable when committed by the poor.
Peter Obi criticises selective justice in Nigeria, says small fraudsters are pursued while alleged billion-naira looters go free.
— Everydaystorynetwork (@Everydayst34346) January 25, 2026
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Obi also linked youth involvement in cybercrime to deeper economic and social challenges, including unemployment, poor education funding, and lack of opportunities. He noted that while wrongdoing must be punished, government failure must also be addressed.
“When leaders steal and go free, young people lose faith in the system,” Obi has said in previous discussions on governance and accountability.
The former governor emphasized that sustainable solutions lie in good governance, job creation, and responsible leadership, rather than relying solely on arrests and prosecutions.
According to him, if public funds are properly managed and invested, fewer young people would be pushed toward criminal activities in the first place.
Obi’s comments have sparked renewed debate across social media and civil society circles, with many Nigerians agreeing that anti-corruption efforts should focus more on high-profile cases involving public funds.
You can also read: Peter Obi Questions Wasteful Government Spending, Calls for a New Nigeria: https://everydaystorynetwork.blogspot.com/2026/01/peter-obi-questions-wasteful-government.html
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Others argue that all crimes deserve attention, but agree that no one should be above the law.
As discussions around accountability and governance continue, Obi’s remarks have once again placed the spotlight on Nigeria’s anti-corruption priorities and the need for a more credible, balanced justice system.
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