A member of the House of Representatives, Mr Jimi Benson, on Tuesday in Abuja called for the stripping of prosecutorial powers from anti-corruption agencies like the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Benson made the call at an anti-corruption dialogue organised by the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice..
He said the power of prosecuting corruption cases should be transferred to the Attorney-General of the Federation, while the anti-corruption agencies should concentrate on investigations.
Benson said, “We need to find a way to ensure that prosecutions are not commenced until cases are water-tight and prosecutors are ready to undertake the full hog of the trial.
“In this regard, is there need to create a dichotomy between investigation and prosecution?
“Is it expedient that the prosecutorial and investigative powers given to the anti-corruption bodies be separated so as to ensure effectiveness of both divides?
“It has been suggested that the powers of anti-graft bodies should be limited to investigation only and the prosecutorial powers given to the Attorney-General or another appropriate agency.
“In this regard, after the agencies have concluded their investigations and have gathered sufficient evidence to prosecute offenders, the file will be transferred to the Attorney-General of the Federation or the Attorney General of the concerned state for prosecution.’’
The lawmaker also stressed the need for the ongoing anti-corruption campaign to focus on prevention rather prosecution of cases after they have occurred.
He urged closer collaboration between the legislative and executive arms of government to pass more laws that would drive transparency in the conduct of government’s businesses.
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