CIFCFIN sues ICAN over forensic accounting certification authority

The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) has filed a lawsuit against the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The legal dispute concerns which organization holds the statutory authority to train and certify forensic accounting professionals in Nigeria.

CIFCFIN argues that under its enabling legislation, the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45 of 2022, it holds the exclusive mandate to educate and certify practitioners in forensics and fraud investigation. The suit claims that ICAN is acting outside its legal authority by offering a seven-day program that awards the Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN) designation.

Through the lawsuit, CIFCFIN is seeking a court declaration that ICAN lacks the authority to conduct such programs. The institute is also requesting the nullification of CFAN qualifications already awarded and a permanent injunction to stop ICAN from advertising or issuing the certificate. The court is expected to hear arguments on the matter on November 24.