President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has been named among the most corrupt and influential figures in organized crime for the year 2024.
This ranking was released by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), a global network of investigative journalists and activists.
The OCCRP had asked citizens worldwide to nominate individuals known for their roles in advancing corruption and worsening poverty.
While Kenyan President William Ruto received the highest number of votes, Tinubu was ranked third on the list, just behind former Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
However, the “Person of the Year” title was given to Bashar al-Assad, the former leader of Syria, who fled to Russia after decades of alleged corruption and mismanagement in his country.
OCCRP explained that their decision reflects the public’s interest in addressing global corruption. “The judges acknowledge the importance of public interest and outrage at corruption,” the group stated.
Tinubu, aged 72, was highlighted for his alleged history of corruption in Nigeria. During his time as governor of Lagos State (1999-2003), Tinubu reportedly acquired significant wealth for himself and his family.
Concerns grew after his election as president in May 2023 when he awarded a major road project, the Lagos-Calabar route, to a company linked to his son.
The controversy surrounding the multitrillion-naira project has raised fears of further corruption under his leadership. Tinubu’s alleged past as a cocaine dealer in Chicago and accusations of certificate forgery have also fueled criticism. Despite these allegations, Tinubu has denied any wrongdoing.
A spokesperson for the president did not respond to requests for comments regarding his inclusion in the OCCRP rankings.
