The Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, has called for the adoption of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) model for investigations by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Speaking at the Food and Energy Security in Africa Conference in Lagos, Fagbemi emphasized that investigations should be concluded before suspects are arrested, stressing the importance of thorough investigation before any public announcement.
His remarks, made during a session on “The Rule of Law and Attracting International Investment towards Food and Energy Security in Africa,” come at a time when corruption investigations are a hot topic in Nigeria.
A New Approach to Fighting Corruption
Fagbemi explained that his preference for the FBI’s model of investigation involves conducting detailed and discreet inquiries before taking any public actions such as arrests.
According to the Attorney General, “When the FBI is investigating, nobody hears anything. But when they come to your doorstep, you have to open the door.”
He described how, under the FBI system, suspects are given the opportunity to consult with their attorneys before any further actions are taken.
“In America, when the FBI knocks, you call your attorney. But what you’ll ask your attorney to do is reduce your sentence, negotiate how it can be reduced,” he added.
Fagbemi emphasized that this model is far more civilized and effective in fighting corruption compared to the current trend of media trials that often occur before investigations are completed.
Avoiding Media Trials
The Attorney General condemned the practice of publicizing the arrest of suspects without proper investigation, saying it only fuels negative impressions.
“The attitude of fighting corruption by saying a big fish has been caught without proper investigation should be discouraged,” he said.
He further clarified that, while investigations might be ongoing, it is important that nothing is made public until a proper case has been built.
Fagbemi noted that, while the media may report on corruption cases prematurely, such actions often result in innocent people being vilified before the truth comes out.
This approach, he believes, would help preserve the integrity of the judicial process and reduce the negative effects of social media trials.
Investigations Should Be Thorough
The Attorney General also stressed that investigating bodies like EFCC and ICPC should focus on concluding investigations before making any arrests or public announcements.
He stated that this method would not only bring fairness to the accused but also prevent premature conclusions based on incomplete evidence.
In his words: “If you don’t hear about someone being arrested or invited, it’s not because no action is being taken. It’s just that I believe this is a more civilized approach to fighting corruption.”
Fagbemi’s comments came as part of a broader discussion on the need to balance rule of law with the fight against corruption. He argued that Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies should adopt methods that build trust in the process, not undermine it through rushed actions or media sensationalism.
Corruption and Social Media Impact
A significant part of Fagbemi’s speech focused on the role of social media in shaping perceptions of corruption cases before all the facts are known.
He pointed out that the fast-paced nature of news on social media often distorts the truth and prematurely condemns suspects.
“I have made this point before,” Fagbemi said. “I don’t believe the situation is as bad as people are painting it. Social media often bastardizes and abuses the suspects before the truth comes out.”
The Attorney General’s words reflect a growing concern about the influence of social media on public opinion and the judicial process.
He suggested that a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to investigations would not only benefit the suspects but also contribute to the overall credibility of Nigeria’s legal system.
Addressing Public Perceptions
Fagbemi’s remarks come amid mounting public scrutiny of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. There has been increasing concern about the way corruption cases are handled, with many questioning the effectiveness of the current approach.
Many Nigerians have expressed frustration with what they see as a lack of results from the EFCC and ICPC, while others criticize the agencies for pursuing cases that may be politically motivated.
By advocating for a more methodical and less sensational approach, Fagbemi hopes to restore public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption drive.
He believes that this approach will also improve Nigeria’s image abroad, where foreign investors are often hesitant to engage with countries with perceived corruption issues.
Civilized Approaches to Law and Order
Fagbemi’s stance aligns with his broader vision of improving Nigeria’s legal system.
He stressed that corruption should be fought in a way that is both effective and respectful of the law, without resorting to public displays of arrests and sensationalism.
“We need to build a system where investigations are carried out quietly and diligently,” Fagbemi urged.
This would ensure that justice is served, not just in the eyes of the law, but in the public’s view as well.
Ongoing Petitions Over Corruption
Meanwhile, Fagbemi’s call for a better investigative model comes at a time when civil society organizations are petitioning the EFCC and ICPC over alleged corruption in the Ministry of Agriculture.
The petition, filed by a prominent civil society group, urges the anti-graft agencies to investigate the ministry’s recent dealings, which are said to involve mismanagement of public funds.
