A civil society organization, the Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance, has raised its voice against the use of social media to attack anti-graft agencies, urging high-profile suspects to respect the legal process rather than resorting to online propaganda.
The group’s intervention follows a viral statement attributed to Mohammed Bello Doka, who identifies himself as a media aide to the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN. In that publication, titled “Recuse Yourself, You Can’t Investigate Me – Malami to EFCC Chairman,” the former minister’s camp reportedly challenged the authority of the current EFCC leadership to lead the ongoing probe against him.
Addressing journalists on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi, the National Chairman of the advocacy group, Comrade Usman Mohammed-Anache, described the source of that statement as coming from an “unrecognized and unconstitutional office.” Mohammed-Anache made it clear that while his organization would not weigh in on the specific details of the allegations, they strongly oppose the growing trend of “trial by media.”
The group expressed deep concern over the practice of individuals under investigation using social platforms to leak sensitive materials or prosecute their cases in the court of public opinion. Mohammed-Anache emphasized that such actions only serve to undermine the rule of law and intimidate the very institutions tasked with protecting the nation’s resources.
As a registered body of trustees, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against money laundering, corruption, and the abuse of public office. The chairman noted that for Nigeria to develop, its anti-corruption agencies must be allowed to work without being distracted by false accusations or divisive tactics aimed at slowing down the wheels of justice.
In its final appeal, the group commended the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for their current efforts. They urged the EFCC and the ICPC to remain steadfast and ignore any form of institutional bullying, maintaining that the proper place for any suspect to prove their innocence is in a court of law, not on social media feeds.
