The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) has condemned the growing trend of media trials of individuals accused of financial crimes, stressing that such practices undermine the fundamental principle of the Nigerian Constitution which presumes every suspect innocent until proven guilty.
At a press conference held in Abuja yesterday, COCSON’s National Spokesperson, Segun Okeowo, commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its efforts in tackling corruption but expressed concern over the increasing trend of media trials.
“The EFCC must immediately desist from using media trials as a tool for public perception management,” Okeowo said, adding that “Investigations should be carried out professionally and discreetly,…
[3:18 PM, 2/4/2025] Dozzy: The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) has condemned the growing trend of media trials of the former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku and other individuals accused of financial crimes.
COCSON stressed that such practices undermine the fundamental principle of the Nigerian Constitution, which presumes every suspect is innocent until proven guilty.
At a press conference held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the National Spokesperson of COCSON, Segun Okeowo, emphasized that while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has played a crucial role in tackling corruption and financial crimes, media trials must be avoided.
“We commend the EFCC for its efforts, but we are deeply concerned about the increasing trend of media trials, where individuals under investigation are subjected to public ridicule and character assassination before they have had their day in court,” Okeowo said.
COCSON specifically cited the ongoing case involving former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, who has been accused of financial misconduct. While acknowledging the need to hold corrupt individuals accountable, Okeowo insisted that such proceedings must be handled strictly within legal frameworks, without sensationalism or media harassment.
“Nwabuoku is a man who has meritoriously served Nigeria in various capacities, and as such, he deserves to be treated with dignity. Accusations do not amount to convictions, and until a court establishes guilt, he, like every other suspect, remains innocent,” Okeowo emphasized.
COCSON spokesman demanded that the EFCC must immediately desist from using media trials as a tool for public perception management and that investigations should be carried out professionally and discreetly, while evidence should be tested only in courts of law.
He also urged the media to exercise responsible journalism by ensuring that reports do not portray suspects as criminals before verdicts are reached and that sensational headlines and leaks of investigative details should stop.
Comrade Okeowo, further, stressed that the fight against corruption must not be tainted by procedural injustices and that every Nigerian, regardless of their position or past service, is entitled to due process.