Nigeria: Those found guilty of corruption must not be pardoned by the state – AGF Fagbemi

The AGF has asked for the cooperation of all stakeholders, especially the Attorney Generals of the States, in the fight against corruption.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, says those found guilty of corruption should not be pardoned by the state.

Mr Fagbemi, a senior advocate of Nigeria, said this during a roundtable discussion organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for Attorneys General of the states in Abuja.

In a statement by the AGF spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Minister called on all stakeholders, especially the state Attorney Generals, to cooperate in the fight against corruption.

“I will propose that in our next constitutional review, those found guilty of corruption should be removed from the powers of the ‘Privilege of Mercy’, so as to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

He advised them to avoid nepotism, political witch-hunt, rivalry and intolerance in the fight against corruption just to please their governors.

“Your legal advice on cases should be based on facts as they are prevalent in developed countries.

“We must not give in to public opinion because in Nigeria we are polarised along political lines.”

The AGF also stressed that there should be no basis for rationalizing corruption or criminality in the country.

He advised anti-corruption agencies to thoroughly investigate cases before arresting suspects to avoid media trials.

The minister urged authorities to gather facts before calling someone in for questioning.

“Let us be thorough and take our time before inviting anyone in for questioning.

“Don’t be sloppy and don’t be too quick to say we caught a big fish. If it’s two or three big fish you can catch in a year and you’re thorough, then it’s good,” he added.

“Also stop filing false charges against suspects just to stir up public opinion against the suspect.

“Nobody wants an indictment of 50 charges, make it five or six and get the suspect,” he said.

(NAN)