NBA Responds To EFCC Chairman’s Accusation Of Lawyer Fraud, Demands Evidence

NBA Responds To EFCC Chairman’s Accusation Of Lawyer Fraud, Demands EvidenceThe Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a stern warning to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, threatening legal action over his recent claims that lawyers are complicit in facilitating illicit financial flows to offshore accounts.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Olukoyede had previously stated that large-scale financial fraud could not occur without the involvement of lawyers, accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over national interest, particularly in cases like the P&ID scandal and the Mambilla Power Project.

In response, the NBA, led by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), condemned the EFCC chairman’s remarks, arguing that Olukoyede lacked the evidence to substantiate his allegations. Osigwe criticized the EFCC chairman for tarnishing the reputation of the legal profession and demanded that he provide proof of his claims or refrain from making such statements in the future.

“We challenge the EFCC Chairman to provide concrete evidence to back his claims, and if he cannot, he should never make such allegations again,” Osigwe stated.

He pointed out that Olukoyede himself is a lawyer, and many of the individuals working on EFCC investigations and prosecutions are also lawyers. Osigwe questioned whether the EFCC Chairman was implying that his own staff were involved in money laundering and financing terrorism.

“It is common in Nigeria for people to make sweeping generalizations, but to my knowledge, very few lawyers have been prosecuted by the EFCC for aiding money laundering,” Osigwe added.

He further emphasized that if Olukoyede had proof of lawyers involved in such illegal activities, he should present it, as this would substantiate the EFCC’s claims. Without evidence, however, Osigwe argued that such allegations should never be made.

“We are proud members of the legal profession, and we take our duty seriously. While there may be a few bad apples, they do not represent the majority of lawyers who are committed to upholding integrity and professionalism,” Osigwe stated.

He warned that if Olukoyede continued to make defamatory statements, the NBA would be forced to take legal action to protect the reputation of the legal community.

“If this happens again, we will not hesitate to take legal action to safeguard the image of the legal profession,” Osigwe concluded.

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