EFCC Clarifies No-Fee Policy for Detained Suspects and Warns Against Conflicting Roles of Lawyers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has underscored that the agency does not impose any charges for the release of detained suspects to their legal representatives or family members.

Halima Rufa’u, the Acting Commander of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the commission, made this announcement on Wednesday during a meeting with the executive committee members of the Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by its chairman, Folashade Aladeniyi.

Rufa’u cautioned lawyers against simultaneously assuming the roles of “surety” and legal representative for suspects, emphasizing that such dual responsibilities could not only expose them to legal repercussions but also tarnish the reputation of the legal profession.

Highlighting the potential implications of this practice, Rufa’u stated, “In the event the suspect was released and later jumps administrative bail, the Commission will have no choice than to arrest the lawyer first, before going after other sureties.”

In her response, Aladeniyi lauded the EFCC for its effective efforts in combatting cybercrime and related fraudulent activities in Oyo State. She acknowledged the tangible impact of the commission’s work in securing convictions related to economic and financial crimes, particularly cybercrime.

Aladeniyi remarked, “I want to commend the Ibadan Zonal Command and the EFCC at large for its activities towards curbing economic and financial crimes, especially cybercrime in the country. This is evident in the statistics of convictions secured by the Commission over the years.”

The engagement between the EFCC and the Nigerian Bar Association serves to promote transparency, clarify policies, and ensure a cooperative approach in addressing legal and procedural matters surrounding detained suspects. The discussions reinforce the importance of adherence to ethical standards within the legal profession while contributing to the broader goals of the EFCC in combating financial crimes across the country.