EFCC Chairman Clarifies Legal Fees Policy for Lawyers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clarified that recent remarks from its Lagos Zonal Directorate about lawyers charging professional fees in foreign currency do not represent a universal policy of the Commission. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede provided this clarification during a courtesy visit from the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Badejo-Okusanya expressed concerns that charging fees in foreign currency does not inherently constitute a criminal offense. Olukoyede stated that he is the official spokesperson for the EFCC's policy and emphasized that the Lagos Directorate's comments were misinterpreted.

He reiterated that the EFCC investigates allegations only within its statutory mandate and relevant financial-crime laws. The NBA President urged the EFCC to ensure due process in investigations and avoid sensational arrests.

Olukoyede acknowledged concerns about media trials and affirmed the importance of professionalism and legal respect, assuring the NBA of ongoing collaboration in combating economic and financial crimes.