The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA has sought increased collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in the fight against corruption.
The appeal was made on Thursday, August 1, 2019 when a delegation of Benin Branch of the association paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Office of the EFCC.
Prince Collins Ogiegbaen, the NBA branch chairman, who led the team, stated that the visit was to strengthen the existing relationship between the EFCC and the Benin Branch of the NBA in the fight against corruption.
He disclosed that in furtherance of the relationship between the NBA in the state and the EFCC, he has set up an NBA/EFCC Committee for the enhancement of relationship, collaboration and addressing of any issue between the EFCC and the NBA.
“The EFCC is seeking to rid the country of economic and financial crimes while the lawyers act as public defender. Ours is to defend the people as the law presumes them innocent until proven guilty,” Ogiegbaen said.
He further disclosed that as chairman he has cautioned lawyers to be disciplined, respectful and conduct themselves properly, adding that any act of legal irresponsibility on the part of lawyers should be reported to the Bar for necessary action.
Responding, the Benin Zonal Head, Muhtar Bello who represented the Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, encouraged lawyers to shun illegal activities and to ensure that they verify claims made by their clients against the EFCC. He stated that the Commission deserved to be applauded in its endeavour to rid the country of cyber crimes.
“We are not targeting any particular group of people. Indeed, we are protecting the country’s future. Benin City is undergoing some changes in respect of riding the state of cyber crime,” Magu stated.
The EFCC boss charged lawyers to follow due procedures as the Commission will not prevent any lawyer from doing a legitimate business.
Pius Oiwoh, NBA Secretary, Benin branch praised the EFCC for making the visit possible and urged the Commission to reciprocate, noting that an EFCC visit will provide lawyers the opportunity to learn more about cyber crime and its new trends.
