The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that it is prosecuting about 100 senior lawyers over corruption-related offences, highlighting growing concerns about financial misconduct within Nigeria’s legal profession.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the announcement on Thursday at the second annual lecture of the Body of Benchers in Abuja, an event attended by top figures of the legal community.
“Calls have been made to investigate several senior members of the Bar,” Olukoyede said, adding that investigations revealed offences ranging from diversion of clients’ funds to facilitating money laundering.
He noted: “Before I arrived, I checked our database and discovered that we currently have around 100 senior lawyers facing prosecution. It is crucial for us to collaborate in safeguarding the integrity of the profession.”
The lecture also featured the presentation of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) 2025 report. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), chairman of the committee, disclosed that 17 lawyers were disciplined for professional misconduct during the year.
“Three of the practitioners had their names struck off the roll, three were suspended for five years, two were suspended for four years, five were suspended for three years, four were suspended for two years, and one received a warning,” Ikpeazu explained.
The Chairman of the Body of Benchers and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola, emphasised that the gathering was intended for reflection on the profession’s values, ethics, and resilience.
“Our gathering is not a jamboree; it is an opportunity to reflect on our values, ethics, and the ethos of our profession,” Ariwoola said.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of regulation in maintaining public confidence in the legal system. She reminded participants that the Body of Benchers’ responsibilities extend beyond admitting lawyers to enforcing discipline and preserving the profession’s credibility.
The Body of Benchers is the apex regulatory body responsible for the admission and discipline of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Participants at the lecture, according to reports, stressed that promoting ethical standards, professionalism, and discipline within the Bar is essential to restoring public trust in the justice system.
Olukoyede highlighted that corruption within the legal profession threatens the rule of law and undermines public confidence. “The legal profession is a pillar of justice in society. When lawyers engage in misconduct, it erodes trust and accountability. Collaborative action between enforcement and regulatory bodies is critical,” he said.
The EFCC’s move represents one of the most extensive enforcement actions against senior members of the legal profession in recent years, signaling the commission’s resolve to hold even highly respected lawyers accountable for financial crimes.
The report by LPDC complements the EFCC’s actions by demonstrating that disciplinary measures within the profession are being applied to reinforce standards and punish erring members.
Experts say that the prosecutions and disciplinary actions are expected to serve as a deterrent and promote compliance with professional ethics. Observers also note that these measures are necessary to ensure that lawyers uphold their responsibilities to clients and society.
“The prosecution of senior lawyers is a clear message that no one is above the law,” Olukoyede said. “We must work together to restore the public’s trust in the legal system.”
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