The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have strengthened their collaboration in the ongoing fight against corruption.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NBA’s Ilorin branch to the EFCC’s zonal directorate.
Sulyman Kosemani, the Chairman of the NBA Ilorin branch, led the delegation and praised the existing working relationship between lawyers in Kwara State and the EFCC.
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He emphasised the importance of a more profound alliance, particularly calling on the anti-graft agency to focus its investigations on politically exposed individuals.
Kosemani urged the EFCC to be more vigilant in scrutinizing how state funds are managed, especially since financial allocations to states have increased following the removal of fuel subsidies.
He also advocated for greater involvement of lawyers in the Commission’s activities to ensure a smoother and more effective partnership.
In his response, the Ilorin Zonal Director of the EFCC, Daniel Isei, welcomed the NBA’s visit, describing lawyers as crucial partners in the anti-corruption campaign. He stressed that both lawyers and law enforcement officials are interdependent and can achieve more through synergy.
However, Isei also advised legal practitioners to avoid interfering with ongoing investigations.
He encouraged them to provide credible intelligence to the EFCC, especially in high-profile cases, rather than filing baseless applications intended to stall trials.
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The director reminded lawyers of their role as “ministers in the temple of justice,” urging them to give sound advice to their clients.
Isei assured the NBA that the EFCC remains open to collaboration with all stakeholders, maintaining its commitment to professionalism and integrity in its duties.
