Federal Government gives guidelines on prosecution of corruption, criminal cases

In a bid to ensure prompt and successful prosecution of ongoing corruption and other criminal cases in courts, the Federal Government on Wednesday issued a set of directives and guidelines to aid prosecutors handling such cases.

The directives and guidelines are contained in a document – National Policy on Prosecution, which also includes Code of Conduct and National Guidelines for Prosecutors – just released by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The National Policy on Prosecution (NPP) prescribes statements of good values, best practices and a guide towards rendering efficient, effective, accountable and professional prosecutorial services in the country.

The Guidelines for Prosecutors sets out terms and principles guiding the initiation and conduct of prosecution, and gives general guidance to prosecutors on the factors to be considered at the different stages of prosecution to ensure that a fair, reasonable and consistent policy underlies the prosecution process.

Code of Conduct for Prosecutors (CCP) contains specified guidelines aimed at promoting best practices among prosecutors.

The NPP also contains among other provisions, detail procedure for the execution of plea bargain agreement, enhanced room for the exercise of professional discretion by prosecutors and improved security and remuneration for prosecutors.

Special Assistant to the President (Prosecution), Okoi Obono-Obla, said the NPP is essential in providing consistent, uniform and credible framework for improving cooperation, enhancing expertise and capacity of prosecutors across the country.