The Traffic

“Arrest After Evidence: AGF Advocates FBI-Style Investigations for EFCC, ICPC”

By Achimi Muktar

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has urged Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to adopt the investigation model of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), emphasizing the need for thorough investigations before arrests.

Speaking at the Food and Energy Security in Africa Conference in Lagos, Fagbemi highlighted the benefits of the FBI’s discreet and evidence-driven approach, contrasting it with Nigeria’s tendency for media trials.

“When the FBI investigates, nobody hears anything. But when they knock on your door, you’re already out of options. You call your attorney, not to prove innocence but to negotiate your sentence. That’s the kind of meticulous preparation we need,” Fagbemi remarked.

A Call for Discretion in Corruption Cases

The Minister expressed concern about the current practice of publicizing corruption allegations before proper investigations are concluded. He argued that this approach often results in unnecessary media sensationalism and damages reputations prematurely.

“I prefer a more civilized approach,” Fagbemi said. “Don’t rush to announce you’ve caught a ‘big fish.’ Investigate first. Ensure the evidence is watertight before making arrests. This way, we avoid damaging the country’s image unnecessarily.”

He further stressed that such reforms would improve Nigeria’s global perception and attract foreign investment.

Strengthening Legal Frameworks

Fagbemi acknowledged ongoing government efforts to combat corruption, citing the enactment of critical legislations like the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and other anti-corruption laws.

He also commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for securing nearly 4,000 convictions in 2022, describing it as evidence of their efficiency.

“These agencies are increasingly focusing on prevention, which is just as important as prosecution,” he noted.

Technology to Curb Judicial Conflicts

The Minister also addressed concerns about conflicting judicial decisions, which he attributed to simultaneous case filings across multiple court divisions. He assured stakeholders that technology would soon resolve such issues by ensuring transparency and consistency in legal rulings.

“Certainty and predictability are the cornerstones of justice. Conflicting decisions erode trust in the judiciary. With technology, we can now easily track and harmonize rulings,” Fagbemi said.

A Broader Perspective on Corruption

Acknowledging that corruption is a global issue, Fagbemi cautioned against painting Africa, particularly Nigeria, as uniquely corrupt.

“Corruption exists everywhere—in Europe, Asia, and America. However, we must be vigilant to prevent it from crippling critical sectors like energy,” he said.

He added that while corruption remains a significant challenge, the government’s “concerted efforts” are gradually yielding results, signaling to foreign investors that Nigeria is serious about tackling the issue.

The Way Forward

Fagbemi called on Nigerians to embrace their civic responsibility by reporting corruption while urging anti-corruption agencies to prioritize thorough investigations.

“If you must crush corruption, do it legally and comprehensively. Ensure the suspects remain within the shackles of the law,” he concluded.

This FBI-inspired reform, if adopted, could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, fostering trust in the judicial system while bolstering the nation’s appeal to global investors.