EFCC clarifies policy on foreign currency legal fees

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified its stance regarding lawyers charging professional fees in foreign currency. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede addressed the issue during a visit from a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) delegation, stating that recent comments from the Lagos Zonal Directorate suggesting such practices are criminal do not represent a blanket commission policy. Olukoyede noted that the previous comments were taken out of context and emphasized that the agency only investigates allegations within its statutory mandate.

NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, raised concerns that charging fees in foreign currency does not inherently constitute a criminal offense. During the meeting, the NBA also urged the EFCC to adhere to due process, conduct thorough investigations before prosecution, and avoid media trials or sensational arrests. Olukoyede acknowledged concerns regarding professionalism and the conduct of certain personnel, pledging continued collaboration with the legal profession to combat economic crime.

Separately, a social media post from a user identified as @ChisomAgbafor gained attention after she visited an EFCC office. While she did not disclose the specific reasons for her visit, she issued a public warning to netizens to ‘avoid crime, avoid crime, avoid crime’.