Tinubu OCCRP 2024 corruption finalist. President Bola Tinubu has been listed as a finalist for the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project’s (OCCRP) 2024 “Corrupt Person of the Year” award. This annual designation, established in 2012, highlights individuals linked to notable cases of corruption or organized crime.
The OCCRP revealed that Tinubu’s nomination was bolstered by its network of journalists, readers, and judges. The decision comes in the wake of investigations and allegations surrounding his financial dealings.
Allegations and Investigations
In a 2023 OCCRP report, Tinubu was connected to 20 properties in the United Kingdom, reportedly purchased by associates during his tenure as Lagos State governor. Notably, 17 of these properties were acquired between 2004 and 2007 by Oladipo Eludoyin, a close ally and director of Aranda Overseas Corp.
The report also linked Aranda Overseas Corp., a company associated with Tinubu’s son, Seyi, to the purchase of a $10.8 million property under investigation by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Additionally, the OCCRP referenced earlier allegations against Tinubu, including a 1990s money laundering case that led to his forfeiture of $460,000 to the U.S. government in a narcotics-related settlement. Tinubu has consistently denied all accusations, maintaining his commitment to addressing corruption and promoting economic development in Africa.
Global Recognition of Corruption
Kenyan President William Ruto was also named a finalist due to growing frustration over allegations of corruption under his administration. Meanwhile, OCCRP granted its “Lifetime Non-Achievement Award” to Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo for decades of mismanagement and extravagant spending.
For 2024, the title of “Corrupt Person of the Year” was awarded to Syria’s ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who was implicated in leading the Captagon drug trade to support his regime.
Past recipients of the OCCRP dishonor include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, and Guatemala’s Attorney General María Consuelo Porras.
This nomination adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Tinubu’s political career and financial dealings, leaving many Nigerians divided over his leadership and legacy.
