The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for a stricter approach to handling corruption cases in Nigeria. Speaking at a roundtable event organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja, Fagbemi expressed that individuals found guilty of corruption should not be eligible for state pardons, advocating for a more rigid stance to serve as a deterrent.
The event, which gathered state Attorneys-General to discuss strategies for combating corruption, provided a platform for the AGF to highlight weaknesses in the system that allow convicted individuals to benefit from leniencies such as the Prerogative of Mercy. Fagbemi recommended that the upcoming constitutional review should address this issue by barring those convicted of corruption from receiving state pardons.
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, he remarked.
This bold suggestion is part of the AGF’s broader vision for tightening the legal framework surrounding corruption. He also stressed the importance of conducting thorough investigations, urging law enforcement agencies to gather all necessary evidence before summoning individuals for questioning. Shoddy investigations, according to Fagbemi, undermine the credibility of the justice system and allow corrupt individuals to evade accountability.
Fagbemi emphasized the need for cooperation among stakeholders, especially Attorneys-General at the state level, to ensure that the fight against corruption is effective and impartial. He cautioned against practices such as nepotism, political witch-hunting, rivalry, and bigotry, all of which can undermine the integrity of anti-corruption efforts.
Attorneys-General must resist the urge to fight corruption merely to please their governors, he warned, highlighting the need for impartiality and fairness in handling corruption cases.
The AGF’s comments underscore a growing concern in Nigeria that leniency toward corruption is enabling impunity and hampering the country’s progress in establishing transparent governance. His call for a constitutional review, aimed at eliminating pardons for convicted corrupt officials, aligns with ongoing efforts by the government to create a zero-tolerance culture toward corruption.
This push for reform is expected to resonate across legal and political spheres as the country continues to grapple with high-profile corruption cases. If successful, Fagbemi’s proposal could mark a significant shift in the Nigerian legal system, making it clear that corruption will no longer be tolerated at any level.
In a country where corruption has long been a barrier to development, this call for stricter consequences is a step toward fostering accountability and restoring public confidence in the justice system. As Nigeria looks to strengthen its democratic institutions, ensuring that those who betray public trust are held accountable without the possibility of pardon is a vital step forward.