By By Elizabeth Ugbo
EFCC Chairman Raises Alarm Over Lawyers’ Involvement in Financial Crimes
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, revealed on Thursday in Abuja that about 100 senior Nigerian lawyers are currently facing prosecution for corruption-related offences. He made the disclosure during the second annual lecture of the Body of Benchers. The announcement identified who is involved, what offences are alleged, where the event took place, when the disclosure occurred, why it matters to the justice system, and how authorities plan to address the issue.
Olukoyede warned that the increasing involvement of lawyers in financial crimes threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system.
EFCC Investigating Fraud and Money Laundering Allegations
According to Olukoyede, the anti-graft agency has received several petitions accusing lawyers of fraudulent activities.
He explained that many petitions involve the diversion of clients’ funds and assistance in money laundering operations.
“Before I came here, I checked our database and discovered that about 100 senior members of the Bar are currently facing prosecution,” he said.
Furthermore, he stressed that tackling the issue requires stronger collaboration between anti-corruption agencies and leaders of the legal profession.
Body of Benchers Emphasises Professional Ethics
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola, said the annual lecture promotes ethical reflection among lawyers.
He noted that the gathering aims to strengthen professional values and reinforce integrity within the legal profession.
“Our gathering today is not a jamboree,” Ariwoola said. “It is a moment to reflect on our values, ethics and resilience as legal practitioners.”
CJN Highlights Role of Discipline in Legal Profession
Similarly, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, emphasised the importance of regulation and discipline.
She explained that the responsibilities of the Body of Benchers extend beyond admitting new lawyers to the Bar.
According to her, the institution also ensures discipline among practitioners and protects public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
“The responsibility extends beyond admission into the legal profession,” she said. “We must maintain discipline and preserve public trust.”
17 Lawyers Sanctioned for Professional Misconduct
At the event, the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) presented its 2025 disciplinary report.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Onyechi Ikpeazu disclosed that the committee sanctioned 17 lawyers after investigations confirmed professional misconduct.
The penalties varied depending on the severity of the offences.
Three lawyers had their names removed from the roll of legal practitioners. Meanwhile, three others received five-year suspensions.
In addition, two lawyers were suspended for four years, while five received three-year suspensions.
Four practitioners were suspended for two years. The committee issued a warning to one lawyer.
Ikpeazu described the offences as “infamous conduct in the course of performing their duties as legal practitioners.”
Growing Concern Over Ethical Breaches
Legal experts at the event warned that unethical practices among lawyers could erode public trust in the justice system.
Therefore, stakeholders urged stronger enforcement of professional rules and closer cooperation between regulators and anti-corruption agencies.
They stressed that maintaining ethical standards remains critical to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s legal profession.
