EFCC Takes 100 Senior Lawyers to Court Over Financial Crimes

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that more than 100 senior lawyers in Nigeria are currently facing prosecution for alleged corruption and financial crimes.

The disclosure was made by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, during the second annual lecture of the Body of Benchers held in Abuja, where key stakeholders in the legal profession gathered to discuss ethics and accountability in the justice system.

According to the anti-graft agency, investigations and petitions submitted to the commission revealed that several senior members of the Nigerian Bar were allegedly involved in corruption-related offences. These offences include diversion of clients’ funds, aiding money laundering, and other financial crimes.

Olukoyede said a review of the EFCC’s records showed that the agency is currently prosecuting about 100 senior lawyers across different courts in the country. He noted that the cases highlight growing concerns about ethical violations within the legal profession.

The EFCC chairman stressed the need for stronger collaboration between anti-corruption agencies and the legal profession to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system. He warned that corruption within the legal profession could undermine public confidence in the rule of law.

The disclosure comes amid broader efforts to enforce professional discipline within the legal community. Recently, the Body of Benchers also sanctioned several lawyers for professional misconduct, reinforcing calls for greater accountability and ethical standards in the legal profession.