The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has advocated for the removal of state pardon privileges for individuals convicted of corruption, emphasizing that such leniency undermines efforts to combat graft.
Fagbemi, speaking at a roundtable organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for state attorneys general in Abuja, suggested that in future constitutional reviews, the ability for convicted looters to benefit from the “prerogative of mercy” should be abolished. He stressed that this would serve as a deterrent to others and strengthen the fight against corruption.
The AGF also urged law enforcement agencies to improve their investigative processes, advising them to gather thorough evidence before summoning suspects for questioning. He cautioned against rushing to arrest individuals without proper groundwork, which often leads to media trials without substantial convictions.
The statement from the Office of the AGF highlighted Fagbemi’s call for the cooperation of all stakeholders, including state attorneys general, in ensuring a more robust anti-corruption framework. He warned against allowing political interests, nepotism, or public sentiments to influence legal decisions, emphasizing that cases should be based on solid facts, as is done in advanced nations.
Referencing past incidents, Fagbemi noted that during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, ex-governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, who were convicted of corruption, received state pardons. Similarly, former President Goodluck Jonathan had pardoned his political ally, ex-Bayelsa State governor Dipreye Alamieyeseigha, after his conviction for corruption.
Fagbemi advised against filing numerous, unfocused charges against suspects, suggesting instead to focus on a few well-supported counts to ensure stronger prosecutions. “Quality over quantity matters in these cases,” he said, urging anti-corruption agencies to aim for thoroughness over sensationalism in their efforts.
