The attention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been drawn to comments attributed to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, Esq., alleging that Nigerian lawyers play a central role in enabling major financial frauds in Nigeria, including high-profile cases such as the P&ID scam, the Mambilla Power Project, and the Sunrise issues.

While the NBA acknowledges that no profession is immune to ethical breaches or instances of misconduct, the broad profiling of Nigerian lawyers as primary enablers of financial crimes is not only inaccurate but unjustified. Such generalizations risk undermining public confidence in the legal profession, which plays a critical role in upholding justice and combating corruption in Nigeria.

It is important to emphasize that the Nigerian legal profession has a robust disciplinary mechanism in place through the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). This body has consistently demonstrated its commitment to maintaining professional ethics by investigating and prosecuting cases of misconduct against erring lawyers. Accordingly, we urge the EFCC Chairman to report any lawyer found complicit in financial crimes to the LPDC for appropriate action, rather than casting generalized aspersions on the entire legal profession.

The NBA also observes that the EFCC itself is staffed with numerous dedicated and ethical lawyers, including its Chairman, who is a senior member of the legal profession. Lawyers working within the EFCC and in other capacities across the justice system are at the forefront of combating financial crimes and securing justice for victims. These examples highlight the legal profession’s alignment with national anti-corruption goals and its opposition to financial malfeasance.

Furthermore, the NBA calls on the EFCC Chairman to ensure that allegations made against any individuals, including legal practitioners, are supported by specific evidence and addressed through due process. Blanket accusations against an entire profession only serve to erode trust and distract from the collaborative efforts needed to effectively tackle systemic corruption.

The NBA reaffirms its commitment to systemic reforms that strengthen ethical values, standards, and accountability within the legal profession. We remain dedicated to fostering integrity and professionalism among our members and will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to enhance justice delivery and uphold the rule of law.

We urge public officials to use their respective platforms to foster constructive dialogue and propose actionable solutions, rather than make sweeping statements that misrepresent the efforts of a profession integral to Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

Bridget Edokwe, Esq.
Publicity Secretary