Don’t Turn International Court Allegations Into Criminal Convictions, ISN Warns Nigerians
Don’t Turn International Court Allegations Into Criminal Convictions, ISN Warns Nigerians
By Matthew Eloyi
The Institute of Security Nigeria (ISN) has urged Nigerians, media organisations and political actors to exercise caution and rely on verified facts when discussing international court records and allegations involving public office holders.
The Institute, in a policy advocacy and public enlightenment brief issued on Tuesday, said the failure to distinguish between civil proceedings, criminal convictions and unproven allegations could mislead the public and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and institutions.
The ISN particularly highlighted the legal difference between civil forfeiture proceedings and criminal convictions, stressing that an action against property, including an in rem forfeiture proceeding, does not by itself amount to a criminal conviction against an individual.
It also clarified that cases instituted under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to compel the release of documents are civil proceedings and do not constitute criminal trials capable of determining guilt or innocence.
The Institute urged Nigerians to demand evidence and allow allegations to be tested through due process rather than treating unverified claims as established facts.
According to the ISN, misinformation and disinformation concerning national leaders could be exploited by adversaries to erode public confidence in Nigerian institutions, damage the country’s international relations and negatively affect the investment climate.
It warned that misleading narratives could also undermine international security cooperation between Nigeria and partners such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), INTERPOL and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The Institute therefore called on political actors and other stakeholders to place national interest above partisan considerations, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
To strengthen public understanding of legal and security issues, the ISN recommended a national civic education campaign in local languages to explain the differences between civil and criminal law, FOIA procedures and the principles of due process.
It also called for capacity-building programmes for journalists covering legal matters and the establishment of a joint government-civil society fact-checking portal.
The Institute further urged security agencies to adopt a unified public communication protocol on issues capable of affecting Nigeria’s international reputation, while remaining apolitical in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
“Security begins with an informed mind,” the Institute said.
