A public affairs analyst, Ephriam Attah, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that its investigations are guided by verifiable evidence rather than public narratives, stressing that corruption cases should be built on facts capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.
Attah made the call while speaking with journalists on Wednesday in reaction to reports that former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, was acquitted of bribery charges by a court in the United Kingdom.
According to him, the outcome of the proceedings underscores the importance of thorough investigations before anti-corruption agencies initiate prosecutions.
He argued that allegations alone should not be treated as proof of guilt, insisting that investigations and prosecutions must be based on credible evidence rather than media reports or public opinion.
“The fight against corruption is necessary, but it must always be anchored on facts, due process and the rule of law. Media narratives cannot replace evidence before a competent court,” Attah said.
He cited reports that Alison-Madueke was cleared of six bribery-related charges at the Southwark Crown Court following a trial instituted by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
Attah said the development should prompt Nigerian anti-graft agencies to strengthen the quality of their investigations to ensure that prosecutions are supported by compelling evidence.
He also expressed concern over the reputational damage corruption allegations could inflict on public officials before legal proceedings are concluded.
The analyst further noted that countries implementing far-reaching economic reforms often rely on experienced technocrats to provide institutional continuity, mentor younger professionals and advise governments on complex financial and governance issues.
He lamented that Nigeria has yet to establish a structured framework for engaging retired senior public finance professionals whose expertise could support policy implementation while maintaining transparency and accountability.
“Nigeria’s economic reform agenda will succeed not only because of new policies but also because institutions have the capacity to implement and sustain those policies.
“That requires a combination of innovation, accountability and experienced professionals who understand the systems from within,” he added.
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