EFCC Chairman clarifies position on lawyers’ Foreign-Currency Fees

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has clarified the Commission’s position on lawyers who charge professional fees in foreign currencies, saying recent comments by an official of the Lagos Zonal Directorate should not be interpreted as a general policy of the Commission.
Olukoyede gave the clarification when the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb, led a delegation of the Association on a courtesy visit to the EFCC.

The NBA President commended the EFCC Chairman for his leadership and the Commission’s efforts in investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes as well as recovering proceeds of crime.

She also acknowledged the Commission’s role in efforts that contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.

Badejo-Okusanya, however, urged the EFCC to adopt a measured approach to investigations and arrests, particularly by reducing sensational arrests and media trials.
She emphasised the need for thorough investigation, due diligence, due process and strict adherence to the rule of law before prosecution.

On the controversy over lawyers charging professional fees in foreign currencies, the NBA President sought clarity from the Commission, stressing that the practice, in itself, should not automatically be treated as a criminal offence or become the basis for prosecution where no offence is established under the law.

The controversy followed comments reportedly made on Friday, September 11, 2026, by the Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, while receiving members of the NBA Lagos Task Force on Illegal Practice of Law.
According to the report published on the EFCC’s official X account, Kaltungo had urged lawyers to desist from what he described as the illegal and unethical practice of charging clients in foreign currencies and warned that the Commission would prosecute practitioners found culpable.

Clarifying the matter, Olukoyede said he remains the official spokesperson of the EFCC on general policy matters of the Commission.

He explained that statements made by officials of the Lagos Zonal Directorate on the issue should not be regarded as a general policy position of the EFCC without clarification from the appropriate authority.

The EFCC Chairman said the comments attributed to the Lagos Zonal Director had been taken out of context and did not accurately reflect the Commission’s position.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that statements by EFCC officials are understood within their proper context, particularly when they concern matters with implications for the legal profession.

Olukoyede assured the NBA delegation that the EFCC would continue to perform its statutory duties transparently and within the confines of the law.

He said petitions received by the Commission would only be investigated where the issues raised fall within its statutory mandate and applicable financial-crimes legislation.

The EFCC Chairman also acknowledged concerns about media trials and alleged overzealous conduct by some personnel, stressing the need for professionalism and respect for due process.

He thanked the NBA for its continued support and expressed the Commission’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Association in promoting compliance, preventing financial crimes and upholding ethical standards within the legal profession.

Oliver Omoredia
Publicity Secretary,
NBA Lagos Branch