In a bid to redefine Nigeria’s approach to combating corruption, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has emphasized the importance of adopting investigative techniques similar to those used by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Speaking at the Food and Energy Security in Africa Conference in Lagos, Fagbemi called for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to prioritize thorough investigations over sensational arrests.
Highlighting the FBI’s methodical approach, Fagbemi said, “The FBI conducts diligent investigations in silence.
When they knock on your door, it’s not to fish for evidence; it’s to finalize accountability.
This approach respects the rule of law and ensures that suspects’ rights are upheld.”
Fagbemi criticized the tendency of Nigerian anti-corruption agencies to engage in “media trials” that could jeopardize judicial outcomes and tarnish reputations prematurely.
He described such methods as counterproductive, stating, “Declaring a suspect guilty in the court of public opinion before the law has its say undermines the integrity of our justice system. Proper investigations before public arrests will reduce this perception.”
The Attorney General underscored the government’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts, citing significant legislative strides, such as the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and the Corruption Act of 2022.
These, coupled with preventive measures and successful convictions—almost 4,000 in 2022—demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to combating corruption.
While acknowledging the global nature of corruption, Fagbemi stressed the unique challenges within Nigeria’s energy sector, likening its impact to cancer.
He assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to minimize corruption’s influence in critical sectors.
Fagbemi connected a robust anti-corruption framework to Nigeria’s attractiveness to international investors.
“Predictability and certainty in judicial decisions are pillars of trust for investors.
By ensuring thorough investigations and minimizing judicial inconsistencies through technological advancements, Nigeria can project a more stable legal environment,” he explained.
He also addressed past issues of conflicting judicial rulings, attributing them to the filing of simultaneous cases across various jurisdictions.
However, Fagbemi expressed optimism that technological reforms in the judiciary would eliminate such discrepancies.
The Attorney General concluded by advocating for a collective civic duty in reporting corruption while urging anti-corruption agencies to maintain discretion and diligence in their investigations.
His stance, he noted, is not only about maintaining Nigeria’s reputation but also about ensuring justice is served without bias or public prejudice.
By aligning with best practices like those of the FBI, Nigeria could strengthen its fight against corruption while fostering trust among its citizens and the international community.