According to Fagbemi, Nigerians convicted of corruption shouldn’t be eligible for a state pardon.

According to Lateef Fagbemi, the minister of justice, anyone who have been found guilty of corruption and prosecuted shouldn’t be eligible for a state pardon.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja at a roundtable for state commissioners of justice hosted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), Fagbemi announced that he would propose in the upcoming constitutional review that individuals convicted of corruption should not be granted the right to pardon.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) declared, “I will propose that we expunge those found guilty of corruption from benefiting from powers of the prerogative of mercy in our next constitution review exercise to serve as a deterrent to others.”

In the fight against corruption, he emphasized the need for cooperation among all parties involved, especially the attorneys general. He urged them not to let prejudice, rivalry, political witch hunts, or nepotism affect their decisions in an effort to please their governors.

In order to prevent media trials, Fagbemi encouraged anti-graft organizations to make sure that cases are thoroughly probed before suspects are detained.

“We must resist caving in to popular opinion. We are divided along political lines in Nigeria. Let’s be thorough and deliberate when we invite someone to be questioned. Don’t work poorly and announce that you’ve caught a large fish too soon.You’ll land a large fish.

“It’s okay if you catch two or three large fish in a year and you follow through,” said Fagbemi.