The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to pass legislation that supports the government’s whistle-blower policy.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Lagos, themed ‘Lawyers in the Spotlight: Essential Anti-Money Laundering Considerations for the Legal Profession,’ Olukoyede emphasised that such a law would require law enforcement agencies to protect whistle-blowers.
He also called on lawyers across the country to exercise due diligence in their practices, stressing the importance of understanding the background of their clients to avoid violating Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regulations.
“As lawyers, we are entrusted with a position of trust in our professional conduct,” Olukoyede said. “While adhering to international laws and regulations, we must also protect the integrity of our profession, which is crucial. Do not shield suspected criminals or those involved in financial crimes. If you know who we are seeking, you must disclose that information, and we will take appropriate action.”
He added that compliance with international conventions would naturally remove Nigeria from any grey lists and urged lawyers to ensure their clients’ payments come from legitimate sources.
“If you’ve ever been a victim of crime, you’ll understand the importance of what I’m saying,” he continued. “Lawyers must not compromise their professional commitment to their clients. The Money Laundering Act, which we have evaluated, does not prevent me from enforcing the regulations of the EFCC Act and other financial laws in Nigeria.”
Olukoyede also underscored that lawyers are not exempt from prosecution if they fail to act appropriately. “It is my duty to trace the proceeds of crimes. If those proceeds lead to you, I will summon you for questioning, and it is your responsibility to respond,” he stated. “We are not denying you your rightful fees, but the funds you receive must not be the proceeds of crimes.”
In response, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau addressed the points raised by Olukoyede, urging lawyers to approach the EFCC Chairman’s message with an open mind. He emphasised that both the NBA and the EFCC should collaborate in the fight against corruption.
“Who better to lead the fight against corruption than us, the lawyers?” Maikyau asked.