By Daniel Edu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated unequivocally that it does not demand any fee from lawyers or family members of detained suspects for their release on bail. Halima Rufa’u, the Acting Commander of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the commission, emphasized this stance during a meeting with the executive committee members of the Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Wednesday. The visit was led by NBA’s chairman, Folashade Aladeniyi.
Rufa’u cautioned lawyers against acting as both “sureties” and legal representatives for suspects, as this could lead to legal and ethical complications. Such dual roles, she pointed out, not only put lawyers at risk but also cast a negative light on the legal profession. She further explained that if a suspect released on administrative bail were to abscond, the Commission would initially arrest the lawyer before pursuing other sureties.
In response, Aladeniyi expressed her appreciation for the EFCC’s efforts in combatting cybercrime and related fraudulent activities in Oyo State. She commended the Ibadan Zonal Command and the EFCC at large for their impactful work, particularly in securing convictions related to economic and financial crimes, including cybercrime, across the country.
