The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has asserted that individuals convicted of corruption should be ineligible for state pardons.
The statement was made during a roundtable discussion organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for state attorneys general in Abuja.
Fagbemi emphasized that excluding those guilty of corruption from the prerogative of mercy would serve as a significant deterrent in the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria.
He proposed that this exclusion be incorporated into the next constitutional review process.
In his remarks, Fagbemi urged law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations before summoning individuals for questioning.
He highlighted the necessity of basing legal actions on solid facts, cautioning against the pitfalls of media trials and public sentiment. “We must not give in to public sentiments. In Nigeria, we are polarized along political lines,” he stated, underscoring the importance of impartiality and integrity in legal proceedings.
Additionally, the Attorney General criticized the tendency to file excessive charges against defendants, advocating for a focus on fewer, more substantiated charges to ensure justice is effectively served.
He called on state attorneys general to avoid political interference and personal biases in their legal duties, emphasizing the need for fairness and justice in combating corruption.
