Diezani: Prioritise evidence over narratives in corruption cases – Analyst tells EFCC

A public affairs analyst, Ephriam Attah, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to ensure its investigations are driven by verifiable evidence rather than public narratives.

He said corruption cases should be built on facts capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.

Attah made the call in 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.

According to him, the outcome of the proceedings underscores the need for anti-corruption agencies to conduct thorough investigations before initiating prosecutions.

He said allegations alone should not be treated as proof of guilt, adding that institutions must rely on credible evidence rather than public opinion or media coverage.

“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 referred to reports that Alison-Madueke was cleared of six bribery-related charges at Southwark Crown Court after a trial brought by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

Attah said the development should encourage Nigerian anti-graft agencies to strengthen the quality of their investigations to ensure that prosecutions are supported by compelling evidence.

The analyst also expressed concern over the reputational damage that corruption allegations could inflict on public officials before cases are concluded.

He added that countries implementing difficult economic reforms often rely on experienced technocrats to provide institutional continuity, mentor younger professionals and advise governments on complex financial and governance issues.

According to him, Nigeria has yet to establish a structured framework for engaging retired senior public finance professionals whose expertise could support policy implementation without compromising transparency or 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 said.