Lateef Fagbemi, SAN who is the Attorney-General of the Nigerian Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has explained why he believes that plea bargaining has several benefits in the Administration of Criminal Justice.
He pointed out that apart from managing the case loads, it actually does enhance the quick recovery of stolen assets and proceeds of crime.
Fagbemi said this at the unveiling of the ‘Plea Bargaining Guidelines for Federal Prosecutors’ and the maiden sensitisation workshop on the guidelines on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said, ‘It is clear that the concept of plea bargaining is an important component of the Administration of the Criminal Justice system.
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‘Several benefits of plea bargaining come to mind. For example, it helps in the management of the caseload of prosecutors and enables the state to concentrate its limited resources on the cases considered more deserving of full prosecution.
‘When applied in compliance with stipulated guidelines, plea bargaining can enhance the quick recovery of stolen assets and proceeds of crime. It is also one of the mechanisms that can facilitate cost-effective, timely, and sustainable decongestion of custodial centres.’
The AGF, however, noted that plea bargaining in political cases is always difficult and always misunderstood.
He said, ‘However, the practice of plea bargaining in serious and complex cases especially when the defendant is a politically exposed person or high net individual, is often misunderstood as a means of giving a soft landing to individuals who have looted the resources of the state and commonwealth of the nation.
‘This negative perception was more common prior to 2015 when there was no specific statutory provision regulating the practice of plea bargaining.’
Recall that Fagbemi (SAN) had a fortnight ago come out to declare that President Bola Tinubu was determined to strengthen the fight against corruption.