The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reacted strongly to remarks by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, Esq., alleging that Nigerian lawyers are key enablers of major financial frauds, including cases such as the P&ID scam, the Mambilla Power Project, and the Sunrise issues.
In a statement, the NBA dismissed these claims as inaccurate and unjustified, stressing that such generalizations risk damaging public confidence in the legal profession. The Association acknowledged that, like any profession, the legal field is not immune to ethical breaches but emphasized that it has a robust mechanism for addressing misconduct through the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
According to the NBA, the LPDC has consistently investigated and prosecuted erring lawyers, demonstrating the profession’s commitment to upholding ethical standards. The Association urged the EFCC Chairman to report any complicit lawyers to the LPDC for appropriate action, instead of casting blanket aspersions on the entire legal community.
The NBA also noted that many lawyers within the EFCC, including the Chairman himself, are exemplary professionals dedicated to the fight against corruption. It highlighted that legal practitioners play a critical role in combating financial crimes and ensuring justice, aligning with Nigeria’s anti-corruption goals.
The Association called on the EFCC to ensure that allegations against individuals are supported by concrete evidence and addressed through due process, rather than making sweeping accusations. Such unfounded claims, it warned, could erode trust and hinder collaborative efforts to address systemic corruption.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting ethical values and professionalism, the NBA stated that it will continue to work towards strengthening justice delivery and upholding the rule of law. The Association further urged public officials to foster constructive dialogue and propose actionable solutions, rather than issuing statements that misrepresent the contributions of a profession integral to the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
