Analyst to EFCC: Let Evidence Lead, Not Headlines

A public affairs analyst, Dr. Ephriam Attah, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that its corruption investigations are anchored on verifiable evidence rather than media narratives, stressing that prosecutions should be built on facts capable of surviving judicial scrutiny.

Attah made the appeal during an interview with journalists on Wednesday while reacting to reports that former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke was acquitted of bribery charges by a court in the United Kingdom.
He said the outcome of the case highlights the need for anti-corruption agencies to carry out comprehensive investigations before filing charges, noting that allegations alone should never be treated as proof of guilt.
According to him, institutions must rely on credible evidence rather than public opinion or media reports in pursuing corruption cases.
“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 stated.
He referred to reports that Alison-Madueke was cleared of six bribery-related charges at the Southwark Crown Court following a trial initiated by the National Crime Agency.
Attah said the development should encourage Nigerian anti-graft agencies to strengthen the quality of their investigations so that prosecutions are supported by compelling and admissible evidence.
The analyst also expressed concern over the reputational damage corruption allegations could inflict on public officials before cases are concluded.
He cited former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation executive Bernard Otti, noting that individuals associated with corruption investigations often continue to face public criticism regardless of the eventual outcome of legal proceedings.
According to Attah, Otti has remained a subject of public scrutiny following allegations linking him to the administration of Alison-Madueke, despite the principle that every allegation should be tested through due process.
He stressed that his position was not intended to weaken the anti-corruption campaign but to advocate stronger investigative processes that promote fairness, professionalism and justice.
Turning to Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, Attah said the country should place greater emphasis on preserving institutional knowledge within public institutions, particularly in strategic sectors such as oil and gas.
He argued that professionals like former NNPC Group Executive Director (Finance and Accounts), Bernard Otti, possess decades of institutional experience that could support the country’s ongoing economic reforms, especially in public financial management and governance.
According to him, Otti’s career in the oil sector provided extensive experience in budget management, revenue reconciliation, audit compliance, financial reporting and oversight of internal control systems within one of Nigeria’s largest public enterprises.
Attah said such expertise would be valuable as the Federal Government pursues fiscal reforms aimed at improving transparency, increasing revenue generation, strengthening state-owned enterprises and enhancing public financial accountability.
“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.
He added that countries implementing difficult economic reforms often depend on experienced technocrats to provide institutional continuity, mentor younger professionals and advise governments on complex financial and governance matters.
According to him, Nigeria is yet to establish a structured framework for engaging retired senior public finance professionals whose expertise could support policy implementation without compromising transparency or accountability.
Attah maintained that the issue was not about promoting individuals but about ensuring that decades of institutional experience are not lost after retirement.
He warned that frequent leadership changes and administrative restructuring have weakened institutional memory across many public institutions, making the implementation of reforms more challenging.
According to him, preserving technical expertise through advisory councils, reform committees and fiscal governance panels would strengthen government institutions while creating opportunities for younger professionals to assume leadership positions.
“Nigeria’s economic reform agenda will succeed not only because of new policies but 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 said.