Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), on Tuesday in Abuja warned civil servants and public officeholders that failure to declare assets will incur legal consequences.
Speaking at Media Trust Group headquarters, he clarified that the bureau employs a risk‑based verification strategy—focusing prosecutions on high‑risk individuals, investigations on medium‑risk targets, and preventive education for low‑risk staff.
Bello emphasised that asset declaration is mandatory under national law and that the CCB’s forthcoming digital platform will streamline the process.
He explained the bureau’s distinct mandate from the EFCC and ICPC: while those agencies pursue criminal charges, the CCB enforces ethical standards on unlawful enrichment and improper gifts.
“For us, if a public servant cannot justify an asset as declared, the burden of proof lies with the officer to explain,” Bello said. “Our preventive approach—letting officers know their assets will be scrutinised—deters corrupt practices.”
He stressed collaboration among anti‑corruption bodies and pledged that the digital system will launch nationwide soon to enhance transparency and accountability.
