From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to forward list of high profile cases they are currently handling to National Prosecution Coordination Committee (NPCC).
The prosecutorial agencies are currently prosecuting high profile cases, including the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, among others at the various courts.
The AGF issued the directive yesterday at a meeting with the various agencies in his office where he briefed them on the exigency and existence of the committee, and to fashion out a working synergy between the committee and the agencies.
A statement by Head of Communication and Public Affairs, Salihu Othman Isah, who doubles as the Special Adviser to AGF, said Malami’s message was read by the Special Assistant to the President on Research and Special Project attached to the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Sylvester Imhanobe.
Imhanobe, who is also the secretary of the committee used the occasion to inform the agencies of the objectives for setting up the prosecution committee.
The AGF said for a case to be tagged high profile, it must have overriding public interest elements, but, ultimately, he determines what case is tagged a high profile case.
“He added that sometimes, the quantum of value of a case and its sensitivity also influences whether a case is a high profile case or not.
According to him, members of the committee are mainly his aides as well as eight external members selected on the basis of experience and expertise, stressing that heads of agencies are not part of the NPCC due to their busy schedules.
