EFCC Chair Says Over 100 Senior Nigerian Lawyers Currently Facing Corruption Charges
Story: written by Zara March 6,2026
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that more than 100 senior lawyers in Nigeria are currently being prosecuted for alleged corruption and financial crimes.
Olukoyede made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja during the second annual lecture organised by the Body of Benchers, an event attended by prominent legal practitioners and key stakeholders in the justice sector.
According to the EFCC boss, the anti-corruption agency has received numerous petitions accusing members of the legal profession of involvement in various financial crimes, leading to several investigations and prosecutions.
He explained that some of the cases involve allegations such as misappropriation of clients’ funds, fraud and facilitation of money laundering.
“Before coming here, I checked our records and discovered that about 100 senior members of the Bar are currently being prosecuted for these offences,” Olukoyede stated.
He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the EFCC and legal professionals to tackle unethical practices and maintain the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system.
The revelation came as the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) presented its 2025 disciplinary report, outlining sanctions imposed on lawyers found guilty of professional misconduct.
Presenting the report, Onyechi Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, disclosed that 17 lawyers were sanctioned for serious breaches of professional ethics.
He explained that the disciplinary actions ranged from removal from the roll of legal practitioners to varying periods of suspension.
According to Ikpeazu, three lawyers were disbarred, three were suspended for five years, two for four years, five for three years, four for two years, while one lawyer received a formal warning.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola, said the gathering was organised to encourage deep reflection on ethical standards within the legal profession.
“Our meeting today is not merely ceremonial but an opportunity to reflect on our values, ethics and commitment to the justice system,” he noted.
Also addressing participants, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, highlighted the importance of strong regulation in maintaining the credibility of the legal profession.
She noted that the responsibilities of the Body of Benchers go beyond admitting lawyers into practice, extending to discipline and safeguarding public confidence in the justice system.
Stakeholders at the lecture stressed that strengthening ethics, accountability and professionalism within the Bar is essential to rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s legal system.
