The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has praised the investigative methods of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and suggested that Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should adopt similar practices.

Speaking at the Food and Energy Security in Africa Conference in Lagos, Fagbemi emphasized the importance of thorough investigations before making arrests, stating that the FBI conducts its inquiries discreetly, ensuring that suspects are not publicly named until sufficient evidence is gathered.

Fagbemi criticized the current approach to combating corruption that focuses on publicizing arrests without adequate investigation. He argued that a more civilized method would involve conducting investigations quietly before any media announcements are made.

"If you don’t hear that anybody has been arrested, it is not because actions are negative and not going on," he explained, asserting that this approach would improve Nigeria's international image regarding corruption.

Acknowledging that corruption is a global issue, Fagbemi noted that it manifests in various sectors, particularly in energy, where its effects can be detrimental.

He highlighted recent legislative efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria's anti-corruption framework, including the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and the Corruption Act, both enacted in 2022.

The Attorney General also reported positive outcomes from the work of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, citing nearly 4,000 convictions secured in 2022 as evidence of their effectiveness.

He reiterated the government's commitment to combating corruption and enhancing judicial certainty through technological advancements to address conflicting judicial decisions.