The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said lawyers who are paid by their clients from corruption proceeds would be arrested and prosecuted.
The Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, said lawyers who receive payment from clients must ensure their payment comes from legitimate sources. He argued that receiving pay from corruption proceeds is also aiding and abetting corruption.
Olukoyde stated this on Tuesday at a panel discussion on money laundering during the 64th Annual General Conference of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Conference 2024, in Lagos.
The EFCC boss maintained that international conventions would not always dictate the way the agency operates.
He emphasized that it is the duty of EFCC to trace proceeds of crime, adding that if proceeds of crime are traced as payment to a lawyer, the agency would arrest the lawyer.
Olukoyede said, “As lawyers, we are supposed to hold a position of trust in our professional conduct. While we try to comply with international laws and regulations, we should also do what is right for ourselves so as to protect the sanctity of our profession, which is very key.
“Doing the right thing doesn’t necessarily come from the way of international conventions. If you do the right things, they will automatically take you off the grey list.
“It is expedient on you to, at least, know who your client is. You are expected to be paid from a legitimate source. If you are a victim of crimes, you will understand what I am saying. As lawyers, you must not, in any way, derogate or demean your professional commitment to your clients.
“Even a part of the Money Laundering Act that we have evaluated doesn’t stop me from enforcing the regulations of the EFCC Act and other financial laws in Nigeria.
“It is my duty to trace the proceeds of crimes. And if I trace it to you, I will invite you for questioning, and it is your duty to answer my questions.
“I mean, why do we talk about aiding and abetting crimes? Why do we have accessories before and after the fact? Knowing these will assist me to determine your level of culpability or otherwise.
“We are not saying you are not entitled to your pay, but what we are saying is that the money that comes to you must not be proceeds of crimes.”
