Bar Association demands evidence for claims linking legal professionals to corruption.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a stern warning to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, over remarks accusing lawyers of facilitating corruption and aiding illicit financial flows. The NBA threatened legal action should such allegations persist without evidence.
The controversy arose after Olukoyede, speaking at the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference in Abuja, alleged that lawyers play a central role in enabling major financial frauds. He specifically cited high-profile cases like the P&ID scam and the Mambilla Power Project, suggesting that lawyers often prioritize personal gains over national interests.
He also criticized the “obscene legal fees” charged by senior lawyers for representing political figures, calling for reform in such practices.
NBA Pushes Back Against “Baseless Allegations”
Reacting to these claims, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, strongly condemned Olukoyede’s comments, asserting that the EFCC Chairman lacked evidence to substantiate his accusations.
“We challenge the EFCC Chairman to present empirical evidence. Without it, he should refrain from making such statements,” Osigwe said.
The NBA President further highlighted the vital role lawyers play in ensuring due process within the EFCC itself. “Many men and women who make the investigation and prosecution of cases by the EFCC worthwhile are lawyers,” he said.
Osigwe questioned whether Olukoyede’s remarks inadvertently implicated EFCC’s own legal team, asking:
“Is he suggesting that his lawyers are aiding money laundering and financing of terrorism?”
Few Cases, Broad Generalizations
Osigwe criticized what he described as “hasty generalizations” and noted that only a small number of lawyers have been prosecuted for aiding financial crimes.
“If there is evidence of numerous lawyers aiding money laundering, standing trial, or being convicted, one could accept his claims. But this is not the case,” he argued.
Legal Action Looms
The NBA expressed pride in the integrity of the legal profession, while acknowledging the presence of a “few bad eggs.” Osigwe emphasized that the majority of lawyers uphold professionalism and would not engage in activities that aid crime.
“The EFCC Chairman must not tarnish the image of the entire profession. If this happens again, we will take legal action to protect the reputation of our profession,” Osigwe warned.
This clash underscores the tension between anti-corruption agencies and the legal community, with the NBA asserting its commitment to defending the honor and integrity of its members.
Similar Posts:
- Tinubu suspends EFCC Chairman, Bawa
- Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, Released by EFCC after Extensive Questioning
- DSS’ Siege on Our Lagos Office Shocking – EFCC
- I’m not on the run – Malami
- Alleged money laundering: Fayemi confirms EFCC invitation, begs for delay
