A public affairs analyst, Dr. Ephriam Attah, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure its anti-corruption investigations are anchored on credible evidence rather than media narratives, warning that prosecutions built on allegations without sufficient proof risk undermining the integrity of the justice system.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Attah said the reported acquittal of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, by a United Kingdom court highlighted the importance of thorough investigations capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.
He argued that while the fight against corruption remains essential, allegations alone should never be treated as proof of guilt.
“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.
According to him, the reported decision of Southwark Crown Court to clear Alison-Madueke of six bribery-related charges should serve as a reminder to anti-graft agencies to strengthen the quality of their investigations before initiating criminal prosecutions.
He expressed concern over the lasting reputational damage corruption allegations can inflict on public officials even when cases are yet to be determined by the courts.
Attah cited former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) executive Bernard Otti, saying individuals associated with corruption investigations often continue to face public criticism despite the principle that allegations must be tested through due process before any finding of guilt.
He stressed that his position should not be interpreted as opposition to the anti-corruption campaign but as advocacy for stronger investigative standards that promote fairness, professionalism and justice.
On Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, Attah urged the government to preserve institutional knowledge by engaging experienced public finance professionals in policy implementation and governance reforms.
He said retired technocrats, including former NNPC Group Executive Director (Finance and Accounts), Bernard Otti, possess decades of experience in budget management, revenue reconciliation, audit compliance, financial reporting and internal financial controls that could support ongoing fiscal reforms.
According to him, such expertise would be valuable as the Federal Government seeks to improve transparency, strengthen state-owned enterprises, enhance public financial accountability and boost domestic revenue generation.
“People like Bernard Otti understand how government financial systems work from the inside. His knowledge can help reduce implementation gaps that often undermine well-designed policies and reforms,” he said.
Attah noted that many countries undergoing difficult economic reforms deliberately retain experienced technocrats to provide institutional continuity, mentor younger professionals and advise governments on complex financial and governance matters.
He lamented that Nigeria lacks a structured framework for retaining the expertise of retired senior public finance officials, warning that frequent leadership changes and administrative restructuring have weakened institutional memory across many public institutions.
He recommended the establishment of advisory councils, reform committees and fiscal governance panels to preserve technical expertise while creating opportunities for younger professionals to assume leadership positions.
According to him, Nigeria’s economic reforms would depend not only on sound policies but also on institutions with the capacity and experience to implement and sustain them effectively.