AGF Fagbemi opposes state pardon for corruption convicts
…calls for stronger investigations
By Kunle Sanni
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has strongly opposed the practice of granting state pardons to individuals convicted of corruption, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and justice in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
Speaking at a roundtable organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for state Attorneys General in Abuja on Monday, Fagbemi insisted that those found guilty of corruption should face the full consequences of their actions without the possibility of reprieve.
The AGF also urged law enforcement agencies to avoid conducting flawed investigations, stressing the importance of gathering concrete evidence before summoning individuals for questioning. He highlighted the need for thorough and professional investigative processes to uphold the rule of law.
“I suggest that in our next constitutional review exercise, we exclude those found guilty of corruption from benefiting from the ‘Prerogative of Mercy’ to serve as a deterrent to others,” Fagbemi said in a statement issued by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice.
Fagbemi emphasized that cooperation among all stakeholders, particularly state Attorneys General, is crucial in the fight against corruption. He advised them to avoid nepotism, political witch-hunting, rivalry, and bigotry, urging them to resist pressure from governors to compromise their integrity.
He also stressed that there should be no justification for rationalizing corruption or other crimes, and that legal opinions should be based on facts, as practiced in advanced countries. “We should not succumb to public sentiments. In Nigeria, we are polarized along political lines,” Fagbemi added.
The AGF further advised participants and anti-corruption agencies to conduct thorough investigations before arresting suspects to avoid media trials. “Let us be thorough and take our time before inviting someone for questioning. Don’t do a shoddy job and be quick to claim a ‘big catch.’ If you catch two or three significant figures in a year and you are thorough, that is satisfactory,” he stated.
Fagbemi also cautioned against filing numerous charges against defendants merely to create public frenzy. “Nobody wants a 50-count charge…make it five or six, and be sure. Ensure you have a solid case,” he concluded.
