CIFCFIN Challenges ICAN's Forensic Accountant Certification

The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) has initiated legal proceedings against the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. CIFCFIN's suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1559/2026, requests the court to prevent ICAN from conducting its “Forensic Accounting Certification Programme” and to nullify the Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN) designation awarded by ICAN.

CIFCFIN argues that ICAN lacks the statutory authority to conduct such certification under the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria Act, Cap 185, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The dispute centers on an ICAN program held from June 8 to 16, 2026, with another scheduled for November 30 to December 8, which CIFCFIN claims encroaches on its mandated functions as per the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45 of 2022.

CIFCFIN seeks ten reliefs, including a declaration that ICAN cannot certify forensic accountants and an order to withdraw any claims of authority to do so.