By Omonu YG Nelson
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has emphasized that individuals found guilty of corruption should not be granted state pardon.
He stated this on Monday, 9 September, 2024 at a roundtable organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for state Attorneys General in Abuja, Fagbemi stated, “I will suggest in our next constitution review exercise that we expunge those found guilty of corruption from benefiting from powers of ‘Prerogative of Mercy’ to serve as a deterrent to others.”
Fagbemi stressed the importance of thorough investigations, advising law enforcement agencies to “be thorough and take our time before inviting someone for questioning. Don’t do a shoddy job and be quick to say we have caught a big fish…You will catch a big fish. If it is two or three big fish you are able to get in a year and you are thorough, it is alright.”
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He also cautioned against filing unnecessary charges, saying, “Nobody wants a 50-count charge…make it five or six and be sure. Make sure you get him (suspect) in.” Fagbemi emphasized the need for cooperation among stakeholders, warning against nepotism, political witch-hunting, rivalry, and bigotry in the fight against corruption.
In his words, “We should not give in to public sentiments. In Nigeria, we are polarized along political lines.” He encouraged legal opinions to be based on facts, as practiced in advanced countries. The AGF’s statements underscore the need for a rigorous and impartial approach to combating corruption in Nigeria.