Daniel Eriksson, Chief Executive Officer of Transparency International, a global anti-corruption nonprofit organization, stated that in nations plagued by corruption, victims may find themselves obstructed from achieving justice. Eriksson expressed this sentiment in a press release dated January 30, which announced the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International. The index positioned Nigeria at rank 145 out of 180 in terms of corruption levels, with 180 indicating the highest level of corruption.
"Corruption worsens social injustice and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable," said Eriksson. "In many countries, obstacles to justice for victims of corruption persist. It is time to break the barriers and ensure people can access justice effectively. Everyone deserves fair and inclusive legal systems where victims' voices are heard at every stage."
According to the Corruption Perceptions Index report, Nigeria was allocated a score of 25 out of a possible 100. A score of 100 signifies "very clean," while zero indicates "highly corrupt." The report reveals that Nigeria's corruption score peaked at 28 in 2016 and plummeted to its lowest at 24 in both 2021 and 2022.
Transparency International's press release highlighted reports of bribery, extortion, and political interference within Nigeria's justice system.
Reuters reported allegations against Nigerian officials who are accused of bribery following the detention of an employee from Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. The officials reportedly demanded a $150 million payment for his release. The detained individual is U.S. citizen Tigran Gambaryan who was invited to Nigeria for policy discussions with government officials.
The Digital Chamber alleged on their website that Gambaryan, also a former U.S. government employee, is being held as leverage to extract a fine from Binance. The Chamber labeled this act as "a state-sponsored kidnapping" and further declared Gambaryan's detention as a "flagrant violation of international law" which "sets a dangerous precedent" for American businessmen traveling overseas.
Eriksson joined Transparency International in 2019 and took up his role as CEO in 2021, according to information on the organization's website. His prior work experience includes roles within the Swedish government, the United Nations, and the European Commission.
Alerts Sign-up