EFCC, NBA Deepen Collaboration

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, have restated their resolve to strengthen and deepen the existing collaboration between them, particularly in the areas of advocacy and sensitization, with a view to ridding the country of corruption and injustice.

This resolve was made in Lagos on Friday, November 14, 2025 when the Vice Chairman, NBA, Lagos Branch, James Sonde, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the office of the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Ahmed Ghali.

Speaking during the visit, Sonde, who is also the Chairman, NBA Human Rights Committee, lauded the EFCC’s sustained efforts to rid the country of corruption and economic and financial crimes, adding that there was a need for both the EFCC and the NBA to plan a joint capacity-building programme aimed at fostering a “compliant society.”

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According to him, “ The NBA, Lagos Branch is the largest branch in Nigeria. We need to have a joint capacity building or training programme, so we can have a compliant society .

We are not here to hinder your investigations or arrests; rather, we want to understand better how you carry out your mandate. We would also like to know how you treat the rights of suspects in your custody as well.”

He also called for greater collaboration in the areas of legal advisory and pro bono support, with a view to broadening the knowledge of officers of the Commission and members of the Association in the areas of case reviews, referral frameworks, and human rights violation complaints, among others.

He said: “ This is the collaboration we are trying to have with the EFCC so as to make the society better for us all and to enable a better working policy, where things work perfectly. “

In her remarks, the Zonal Head of Legal Department, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Deborah Ademu-Eteh, who received the delegation on behalf of Ghali, expressed her gratitude for the visit and also appreciated the Association’s sustained interest in the activities of the EFCC.

While assuring the Association of possible collaboration and partnership in the highlighted areas, she said: “We also want to see how corruption is prevented; hence, we have ensured that one of our strategic objectives is increased public engagement in the fight against economic and financial crimes. This remains at the forefront of the current administration.

“We have several enlightenment programmes tailored to students in primary and secondary schools and universities; NYSC members as well as religious groups.”

Also speaking, the Zonal Head, Capital Market and Insurance Fraud, ACE 11 Adaran Olapade Cosmas, addressed the concern raised by Sonde regarding how suspects in the custody of the Commission are treated, adding that the Commission always ensures strict adherence to the rule of law.

He said: “ We usually carry out diligent investigations before making any arrest and we ensure that an administrative bail is granted to any suspect arrested. But if, for any reason, we need to keep a suspect in our custody, we usually obtain a court order.

“So, the rights of our suspects are respected, and we treat them with dignity