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NBA Seeks Enhanced Collaboration With EFCC In Anti-Graft War
NBA Seeks Enhanced Collaboration With EFCC In Anti-Graft War
NBA seeks enhanced collaboration with EFCC in Anti-Graft War. The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called for enhanced collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC, to address corruption and unethical practices among legal practitioners and security agents in the country.
The appeal was made on Monday, February 23, 2026, when a delegation from the Anti-Corruption Committee of the NBA ,Lagos Branch, paid courtesy visits to the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 & 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Adebayo Adeniyi and ACE I Usman Bawa Kaltungo.
Speaking during the interactive sessions, the Chairman of the Committee, Udochi Iheanacho, SAN, said the visits were aimed at strengthening existing collaboration between the NBA Lagos Branch and the EFCC, as well as establishing a framework for investigating unethical conduct among both legal practitioners and EFCC investigators.
Iheanacho disclosed that every NBA branch across the country had been mandated to establish an anti-corruption committee in response to what she described as a growing erosion of public trust in the legal profession and security agencies.
She said: “This Committee is one of several that have been set up in every NBA branch nationwide.
“We have a national body — the NBA National Anti-Corruption Committee — and we are all working together.
“We want to tackle corruption in various ways. There is corruption within our fold and among some of our colleagues. We also encounter it among agencies we work with, including the EFCC and the Police.
“This is a new initiative, and in carrying out our activities, we require the backing of agencies with enforcement powers. When we identify issues that fall within your jurisdiction, we should be able to refer them appropriately for necessary action.”
Describing corruption as endemic in the country, Iheanacho noted that many people still lack a clear understanding of what constitutes corruption and corrupt practices.
According to her, “When something becomes normalized and cultural, and the lines become blurred, the task goes beyond merely catching people in the act.
“It requires sustained education and reorientation.”
She also emphasized the need for collaboration, particularly in the area of sensitization through effective and sustainable training programmes and workshops.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NBA, Lagos Branch, Uchenna Ogunedo-Akingbade, highlighted the roles of other committees within the branch, including the Human Rights Committee and the Security Agencies’ Relations Committee, which she said would also engage with the Commission to promote awareness about the dangers of corruption and unethical practices among lawyers and security agents.
“It is important that we intensify our fight against corruption, regardless of the personalities involved,” she said.
Responding, both Adeniyi and Kaltungo thanked the delegation for the visit and assured the Committee of the Commission’s cooperation.
They described the NBA as a strategic partner, adding that “Our doors are always open. We are public servants, not public masters. Where you require our support, we will readily provide it.
“We maintain a cordial working relationship with lawyers and continually remind our officers of the importance of respecting lawyers and suspects alike.”
NBA
While acknowledging that occasional friction may arise between lawyers and security agencies in the discharge of their duties, they stressed that the EFCC does not trivialize the role of legal practitioners.
“Even within families, disagreements occur. What matters most is how such issues are managed. If there are concerns requiring our intervention, feel free to knock on our doors,” he said.
In her remarks, the Head of Legal, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, EFCC, Ikoyi, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Deborah Adamu-Eteh, urged the Committee’s leadership to address instances of unprofessional conduct by some members of the Association, noting that such behaviour tarnishes the image of the legal profession.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
EFCC Partner Police Against Corruption In Kwara
EFCC partner police against corruption in Kwara. Ms Ugo-Ali described the Nigerian police as a critical stakeholder and a strategic partner in the anti-corruption crusade.
The Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin, has said it is ready to deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police.
The zonal director, Victoria Ugo-Ali, made the statement on Tuesday in Ilorin during a courtesy visit to the Kwara Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo.
She said the visit was part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption and financial crimes and to familiarise herself with the state’s police leadership.
Ms Ugo-Ali described the Nigerian police as a critical stakeholder and a strategic partner in the anti-corruption crusade.
She said the EFCC’s success in tackling economic and financial crimes hinged on the police support and collaboration, calling them the foundation of law enforcement operations in the country.
The zonal director highlighted key operational areas where enhanced police cooperation would be required, particularly in intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and enforcement activities.
Kwara
She stressed that stronger collaboration would further boost the effectiveness of both agencies.
In his response, CP Ojo expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the EFCC for its sustained efforts in combating corruption and financial crimes.
He assured the zonal director of the command’s continued support, reaffirming the police’s commitment to working closely with the commission to achieve their shared mandate.
Mr Ojo also reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining a robust working relationship to strengthen law enforcement and promote accountability in Kwara and beyond.
Reveals: Why Egbetokun Resigned As IG
Reveals: Why Egbetokun resigned as IG. The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police.
It said the former police boss resigned from office, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a response to an inquiry by PUNCH Online, saying, “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention.”
However, multiple Presidency sources told our correspondent that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening.
“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” a highly placed official in the Presidency stated on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Our correspondent observed the IGP’s official vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser with number plate NPF-01, parking at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa around 6:40 pm on Monday.
Egbetokun, dressed in his black uniform without his cap, alighted from the vehicle and turned back to ask for his notepad from an aide who briskly reached into the vehicle and handed it to him.
The IGP arrived at approximately the same time governors were arriving for an interfaith breaking of fast with the President, raising initial uncertainty about the purpose of his visit.
However, another source at the Villa confirmed that Egbetokun was specifically summoned that evening by the President.
Security officials who confided in our correspondent said the IGP returned to the State House at about 8:00 pm as his vehicle was subjected to search by DSS operatives at the Villa.
Egbetokun, who was appointed IGP on June 19, 2023, has faced mounting criticism over the nation’s deteriorating security situation, particularly the wave of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks across multiple states.
Recent high-profile incidents include the abduction of nearly 300 schoolchildren from St. Mary’s boarding school in Niger State in November 2025, mass killings in Kwara State communities in February 2026, and persistent kidnappings along major highways.
Why Egbetokun Resigned As IG
The President, during Monday’s Iftar with governors, had pledged that the establishment of state police to combat insecurity would not be postponed, declaring that “security is the foundation of prosperity.”
“Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace. We will establish state police to curb insecurity,” Tinubu had stated at the event.
Before his appointment as IGP, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department.
He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure expired in September 2023 after an extension granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention.
Witness Narrates How Governor’s Aide Lured Her: S3xtortion
Witness narrates how Governor’s aide lured her: S3xtortion. The trial of a former Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Documentation, Research and Planning, Dr. Donatus Aondona Mkor, continue on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 before Justice M.O. Olajuwon of the Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as the EFCC presented its second witness, Aluka Seembe, who told the court how the Governor’s aide lured her to get canal knowledge of her.
Just In
The case has been adjourned to March 19, 2026 for continuation of trail. Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more details and other stories.
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