EFCC Chairman urges lawyers to stop shielding financial crime suspects

Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urged lawyers to refrain from engaging in activities that enable crime suspects to evade justice.

He made this statement during the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos, where the theme was “Lawyers in the Spotlight: Essential Anti-Money Laundering Considerations for the Legal Profession.”

Addressing attendees at a breakout session, Olukoyede emphasized that lawyers have a responsibility to bring suspects of financial crimes to court rather than helping them avoid legal consequences. He stated, “Do not protect suspected criminals involved in financial crimes.

If you know the whereabouts or details of those we are seeking, it is your duty to bring them forward so we can take appropriate action.”

Olukoyede also discussed the issue of delayed prosecutions, assuring that the EFCC is committed to pursuing cases rigorously and within the bounds of the law, regardless of the time required.

“My primary duty is to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, which remains a top priority for us,” he said.

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He called on lawyers to fulfill their civic duties and underscored the importance of mutual respect between the legal profession and the EFCC.

“We are all Nigerians first, and being a lawyer does not exempt you from your civic responsibilities.

Comply with the law and do the right thing.”

The EFCC Chairman also advocated for the National Assembly to enact legislation that further strengthens the whistle-blower protection policy, noting that such laws would mandate law enforcement agencies to safeguard whistle-blowers.

In his address, NBA President Mr. Yakubu Maikyau emphasized the need for increased collaboration with the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies to effectively combat corruption.