*Offers Solutions As Potential Attorney General of the Federation
*Says I Will Seek Merger Of EFCC, ICPC, Other Anti-Graft Agencies

One of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has expressed his intention to advocate for the merger of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related matters Commission (ICPC) and other anti-graft agencies if appointed as Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.

During his screening by the Senate in Abuja on Wednesday, Fagbemi stated that such a merger would strengthen the agencies, and they would still carry out their respective mandates as stipulated in the Acts that established them.

He emphasized that, as the AGF, discouraging the practice of a single agency handling both investigation and prosecution would be essential as it could limit the pursuit of justice.

Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also addressed issues related to the disobedience of court orders by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the EFCC. He offered potential solutions to tackle this problem if appointed as the Attorney General of the Federation.

“In inter-agency rivalry, you have the EFCC, you have the SSS, and other security organizations. I think, with respect, you will not find the President flouting any court order because the Attorney General will invariably be made a party. The mere fact that an order is made does not mean that you should obey it immediately.

“You think about it, do I appeal? If I appeal, what do I do next? If I’m not appealing, what am I supposed to do? If I’m not appealing, of course, I cannot subject the order of the court to any further test of validity. By Section 287, it has to be obeyed not only by the government but also by every authority and presence in Nigeria. So, the question of disobedience of court orders often arises between, with all respect, these agencies. My advice would be that, in matters of law, the Attorney General should be involved.

“DSS cannot be an island unto itself. EFCC cannot continue to behave as if there is no law. There is law, and if you want to do an investigation, you should conduct it before inviting the accused person.”

It is not a question of inviting him and saying, ‘we have caught a big fish.’ Then at the end of the pace at which the course of justice travels, it can be slow but it is very sure. I take an example from what is happening in the United States. Trump has a 2024 appointment or date in court. Some people say, ‘oh, 2024, no.’ That 2024, if God preserves our lives till and beyond that day, nothing will make them shift it because thorough investigation would have been done. You do your investigation before arrest, and not arrest before investigation. Great.”

Mr. Fagbemi expressed concerns about the current approach to fighting corruption in Nigeria, stating that the same body responsible for investigation is also handling prosecution. He stressed the importance of conducting thorough investigations before initiating prosecution, ensuring that fair hearings are upheld.

Furthermore, he emphasized the role of the National Assembly in the fight against corruption, urging lawmakers to create laws that benefit society without considering personal interests. He underscored the significance of deploying adequate resources for thorough investigations to combat corruption effectively.

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