The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has affirmed the present administration's commitment to guaranteeing the independence of anti-graft agencies in Nigeria. Speaking with journalists during a Top Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Justice in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Fagbemi stated that the President Bola Tinubu-led government would ensure the autonomy of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in their fight against corruption. He emphasized that the federal government does not interfere in investigations initiated by these agencies against any individual or organization suspected of criminal activity.

“We don’t interfere in the investigation of corruption cases by anti-graft agencies,” Mr. Fagbemi explained, asserting that these agencies are best suited, well-organized, and specifically established to conduct investigations into allegations or commissions of crimes. He clarified that the Ministry of Justice only takes over after investigations are concluded, to review for any gaps or further issues that might require additional inquiry. Fagbemi reiterated that the Nigerian constitution guarantees the independence of the EFCC and ICPC, meaning the government lacks the power to influence their operations. He also reaffirmed the Tinubu administration's determination to eradicate corruption to foster national development and improve infrastructure.

However, Mr. Fagbemi’s comments come amid a series of high-profile corruption and financial crimes cases that his office has recently taken over from the EFCC, often leading to their subsequent termination or withdrawal. PREMIUM TIMES previously reported on the withdrawal of a N20 billion fraud case against former Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Managing Director, Ahmed Kuru, at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. This case, originally prosecuted by the EFCC, was withdrawn by the AGF’s office through the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B. Abubakar. Although another case against Mr. Kuru concerning conspiracy, stealing, and abuse of office in the management of Arik Air’s debts to AMCON is still pending, this withdrawal adds to a growing list of cases abruptly halted by the AGF’s office without public explanation.

Further instances include Mr. Fagbemi halting the EFCC’s move to arraign Honeywell Group chairman Oba Otudeko over an alleged N12.3 billion fraud in June. Additionally, Mr. Fagbemi was accused of failing to pursue a N5 billion fraud suit against former aviation minister Stella Oduah after her defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2021. His office took over her case from the EFCC in November 2023, a move noted by the trial judge as occurring shortly after a change in EFCC’s leadership. Earlier this year, criminal charges against Fidelity Bank CEO Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe in a multi-billion-naira fraud case were also withdrawn, with the AGF’s office citing a review that found no direct link to her. In October last year, the Nigerian government dropped all charges against Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance Holdings, who was facing trial for money laundering and currency speculations, following intense diplomatic negotiations between the Nigerian and US governments.

Beyond withdrawals, PREMIUM TIMES has also reported on ongoing settlement talks in other significant cases. Former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako is engaged in discussions with the prosecution regarding N29 billion charges, and former Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registrar Dibu Ojerinde has reopened settlement talks with the ICPC for an out-of-court settlement in a N5.2 billion fraud case against him.