3 months ago
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Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, has pledged that the commission will treat all individuals, whether suspects or legal practitioners, with respect and fairness.
Olukoyede stated this during a plenary session at the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Lagos.
“Under my watch, everyone that comes to the EFCC will be treated with dignity, regardless of the circumstances,” Olukoyede assured.
He urged lawyers not to protect individuals suspected of committing financial crimes, emphasising their duty to cooperate with the anti-graft agency.
“If you know the whereabouts of a suspect or have information relevant to our investigations, it is your duty to bring that person forward, and we will do our part,” he stated.
The EFCC boss also called on the National Assembly to enact legislation that would strengthen the whistleblower policy by making it mandatory for law enforcement agencies to protect whistleblowers. He said such a law would compel agencies to provide the necessary protection to those who come forward with vital information.
On the issue of delayed prosecutions, Olukoyede says the EFCC remains committed to pursuing cases to their conclusion, regardless of how long it takes, while ensuring strict adherence to the law.
“Our responsibility and mandate are to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. This is not only a priority for us but a duty for all law enforcement agencies.
“We are saying this in the interest of our profession—if we do the right thing and streamline our practices, security agencies won’t harass anyone,” Olukoyede explained.
The EFCC Chairman announced plans to enhance the commission’s infrastructure and develop expertise for effective case analysis and examination. He emphasised the importance of collaboration with organisations in the fight against financial crimes.
Outgoing NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), also reiterated Olukoyede’s call for collaboration, urging legal professionals to strictly adhere to the Money Laundering Act in their dealings.
“Even as we involve ourselves in the business of our clients, we must not exceed the threshold allowed under the Money Laundering Act,” Maikyau advised.
Human rights activist Mike Ezekhome (SAN) also weighed in, advising the anti-graft agency to adopt international standards in its operations, recommending that “the EFCC should conduct proper investigations before making arrests and publicising them in the media.”
