The Zonal Director, the Principal Officers here present, Ladies and Gentlemen,

INTRODUCTION

It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today, representing the entire members of the Ilorin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association. Our mutual goal, shared with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is to jointly fight corruption, promote justice in our society, and our unwavering commitment to combating corruption in all its forms

We just came on board as the new Executive of the Ilorin Branch of the NBA to pilot the affairs of the Association for the next two years and we need to call for the strengthening of existing relationships between the NBA and the Commission to achieve better results. It is my belief that this synergy and collaboration is important, and we want to build on it for better results.

I want to state that, the NBA appreciates your Commission for accepting to engage with us in this meaningful dialogue. The relationship between the Nigerian Bar Association and the EFCC has come a long way, and I felt this visit is an opportunity to familiarize with the new heads from both sides and further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between us.

TACKLING CORRUPTION BY THE COMMISSION

I want to boldly say that, there is no doubt that, the EFCC is one of the country's anti-graft agencies that is working to ensure a better society for all. The manner in which the EFCC is dealing with internet fraudsters particularly the young ones who should be our future leaders of tomorrow, and who are getting involved in an act of criminality is impressive. I want to implore the Commission to put the same effort against any public officers who mismanage public funds. The Branch appreciates the effort of the Commission under the new leadership of the Executive Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede and we urge the Commission not to relent in the fight against corruption and there should not be a sacred cow.

I however want to emphasise that, the rights of the citizens as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be protected while carrying out the Commission’s constitutional duties and respect human dignity. The Commission should ensure to uphold the rule of law, and fear of God while discharging its duties.

APPRECIATION FOR ADHERING TO THE PROVISIONS OF ACJA/ACJL

I would like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the Commission’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that due process is followed in all the Commission’s operations. Your adherence to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) when obtaining statements from suspects is commendable. By following these legal standards, you are not only protecting the rights of individuals but also enhance the integrity of our justice system. Your dedication to transparency and fairness in your investigations reflects positively on the EFCC and reinforces public confidence in your efforts to combat economic and financial crimes.

ATTEMPT BY FEW LAWYERS TO MONOPOLIZE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION

As representatives of the legal community, we have a paramount responsibility to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice prevails. However, we need to address the pressing issue of touting within our ranks. It is with a firm commitment to professionalism that I emphasize the need for strict measures to limit the number of lawyers who operate in contexts that lend themselves to touting, particularly here at the EFCC. We must safeguard our profession from any actions that compromise our integrity and the trust placed in us by the public. It is the belief of my members that, there is no level playing ground for all to transact at your office and that the commission is always at home with some selected lawyers.

Corruption undermines the very foundations of our democracy and hinders our nation's progress. As legal practitioners, we have a critical role to play in this fight. However, to do so effectively, we must be provided with a conducive environment to conduct our work. This includes ensuring that lawyers have a suitable place to transact and engage with their clients freely and without undue constraints.

RESTRICTION OF MOBILE PHONES OF LAWYERS AT THE COMMISSION

I would also like to address an issue that has become a point of contention within our interactions at the EFCC. The practice of not allowing lawyers to bring their phones into EFCC offices while attending to their clients poses significant challenges. Communication is vital in our line of work; restricting access to our mobile devices while in your office has indirectly affected our members because, at that point, our members have lost many briefs and also hindered our ability to provide effective legal counsel to our clients. As a result of this, many of our members have resolved not to patronize your commission because they cannot afford to leave their phones for hours. We urge the EFCC to reconsider this practice and establish a more accommodating framework that allows lawyers to serve their clients efficiently.

THE NEED TO REFRAIN FROM INVOLVEMENT IN CIVIL MATTERS

The primary function of the Commission is to combat economic and financial crimes, including corruption, money laundering, and fraud. However, there is a growing concern by my members regarding the Commission's involvement in civil matters that are fundamentally outside the Commission’s mandate. Engaging in civil matters can dilute the Commission’s focus and resources, hindering its ability to address pressing issues of corruption effectively. The involvement of the Commission in civil matters can lead to the misallocation of resources, diverting attention from crucial investigations that require immediate action. This can ultimately undermine the Commission's effectiveness in fulfilling its core mission. The Commission should prioritize its mandate and avoid entanglement in civil matters. This will enhance its effectiveness, preserve its integrity, and ensure that it remains focused on tackling economic and financial crimes that threaten the nation's stability and development.

NEED FOR MORE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE TWO BODIES

I want to state that, our ultimate goal is not only to combat corruption but also to foster a collaborative relationship between the legal profession and the EFCC. Together, we can create a united front that strengthens the fight against corruption by working in harmony with the Bar. We can ensure that our collective efforts yield tangible results, reinforcing the trust of the public in both our institutions.

It is imperative that we work towards resolving any differences that may exist between our branch and the EFCC. In a situation where any of our members misbehaves or acts in a way that breaches any of the professional conducts in the course of transacting in your commission, NBA has a disciplinary mechanism through the LPDC that can punish any erring member with punishment that is even more severe than prosecuting him in Court. I am very sure that there is no suit instituted against the Commission by any of our members on the violation of his or her right that was not to the knowledge of the NBA, so if any member has any issue against the Commission, with this collaboration, such an issue can be resolved even with ordinary phone calls. I am aware of the ongoing prosecution of a lawyer before the High Court of Justice and also aware of a judgment of the court by one of my members against the Commission, the instances are on call for, as the two bodies have the constitutional right to jointly fight the corruption.

In conclusion, let us commit to upholding the highest ethical standards and working diligently to protect the reputation of our profession. Together, we can ensure that our legal system remains a beacon of justice and integrity. I look forward to working closely with the EFCC to achieve these noble objectives.

Thank you for your attention, and I hope for a productive discussion ahead.

SMH Kosemani Esq
Chairman
NBA, Ilorin Branch