The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb, has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for his leadership and demonstrable efforts in combating economic and financial crimes.
She gave the commendation on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, when she led an NBA delegation on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
The NBA President acknowledged the Commission’s growing success in investigating and prosecuting financial crimes and recovering proceeds of crime, noting that the impact of its work was increasingly being felt.
She also commended the EFCC’s contribution to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force Grey List, observing that the development had strengthened investor confidence and facilitated cheaper and faster cross-border transactions.
Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya, however, urged the Commission to maintain a measured approach to investigations and arrests and to sustain the reduction in sensational arrests and media trials.
She emphasised the need for thorough investigation and due diligence before prosecution, in accordance with due process and the rule of law.
Addressing the controversy surrounding professional fees charged in foreign currencies, the NBA President called for greater clarity. She stressed that charging professional fees in foreign currency does not, in itself, constitute a criminal offence and that no person may be prosecuted for an offence unknown to law.
Responding, the EFCC Chairman affirmed that he remained the Commission’s official policy spokesman. He explained that recent comments attributed to the Lagos Zonal Directorate concerning lawyers who charge professional fees in foreign currencies should not be treated as a general policy statement of the Commission without clarification from the appropriate authority.
Mr. Olukoyede further stated that the Lagos Zonal Director’s comments had been taken out of context and did not accurately convey the Commission’s position. He underscored the importance of context and accurate interpretation of statements made by EFCC officials, particularly where such statements have implications for the legal profession.
The Chairman assured the delegation that the EFCC would continue to discharge its responsibilities transparently and strictly within the bounds of the law. He explained that petitions were investigated only where the matters raised fell within the Commission’s statutory mandate and the applicable financial-crimes laws.
He also acknowledged concerns about media trials and overzealous conduct by some personnel, stressing the importance of professionalism and respect for the law.
Mr. Olukoyede thanked the NBA for its support and pledged continued collaboration, particularly in promoting compliance, preventing financial crimes and strengthening ethical standards within the legal profession.
The visit concluded with a tour of EFCC Radio 97.3, an initiative of the Olukoyede-led administration established to educate the public about economic and financial crimes and help prevent their commission.
A visibly impressed Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya commended the initiative and granted an impromptu live interview, during which she promised to return on a later date to read the news.
Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, Esq.
National Assistant Publicity Secretary
Nigerian Bar Association
