BRIBERY AROUND THE WORLD

The Nigerian Football Federation slams 10 years ban on Oyo FA boss, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju and the  former commissioner for sport in Oyo State Mr. Dapo Adesina, the son of the former governor of Oyo state and an APC chieftain Late Chief Lam Adesina on all sporting activities over an allegedly giving bribe of N1.5 Million to influence a decision in favor of Shooting Star Sport club of Ibadan against Sunshine stars of Akure.

This decision was reached following recommendation by the investigative committee headed by Mr. Chris Green, this submission was reached after proving the case beyond reasonable doubt.

What is bribery?

Bribery is the offering, giving, receiving or soliciting of something of value for the purpose of influencing the action of an official in the discharge of his/her public or legal duties. 

Corruption is an endemic disease that has eaten up every facet of the Nigerian country. Corruption has become our tradition, a way of life which hardly will you get anything done except through bribery.

Ranging from public office holders, civil servants, Teachers in schools, Administrators, office support staffs and politicians.  Political corruption is not a recent phenomenon that pervades Nigeria.

Nigeria is ranked 139^th out of 176 countries in Transparency International 2012 corruption, there have been reported misuse of resources for personal enrichment. 

Bribery around the world

Nigeria: chapter 12, part iii-iv section 98(b) of the criminal code act provides that   any public officer, who corruptly asks for, receives or obtain any property or benefit any kind for himself or any other person: or bribe is guilty of felony of official corruption and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. 

United States o America: the general federal bribery statue punishes the offense of bribery in the US whoever directly or indirectly corruptly gives, offer or promises anything of value with intent to influence that person’s official act will be fined for the offense of bribery. The punishment prescribed by the statue is a fine of an amount not more than three times the monetary equivalent of the thing of value or imprisonment for not more than fifteen years or both.

United Kingdom: Bribery Act 2010, the penalties for committing a crime under the act are a minimum of ten years along with unlimited fine and potential for the confiscation of property.

China: In china any person found guilty and convicted of bribery shall be sentenced to death.

Considering the level of corruption in Nigeria , do you think the punishment prescribed under the criminal code is sufficient, if yes state your reasons or which of the laws of these other countries discussed should be adopted.

Do you know allegation of bribery can ruin your career and personal reputation? If you are found guilty and convicted you can face fines and jail term as well. To ensure best possible reputation resolution, you need a lawyer. Schedule a consultation today.

Thank you.

Oyenike Alliyu-Adebiyi Llb(hons)BL