Stop Arresting People Without Evidence, AGF Warns Anti-graft Agencies

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has warned anti-graft agencies to stop arresting individuals without thorough investigations.

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Fagbemi, who spoke at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in Abuja on Monday, emphasized the importance of having solid evidence before inviting individuals for questioning.

“We must resist succumbing to public opinion. In Nigeria, we are divided along political lines. Let us 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,” Fagbemi said.

He also counselled against filing bogus counts of charges against defendants just to generate frenzy in the public against the suspect. “Nobody wants a 50-count charge…make it five or six and be sure. Make sure you get him (suspect) in,” he added.

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Fagbemi emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly the Attorneys General, in the battle against corruption. He urged the Attorneys General to reject nepotism, political persecution, rivalry, and prejudice in their efforts to combat corruption, even if it means disappointing their governors.

“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 said.