Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says lawyers should ensure that legal fees they receive from clients are not proceeds of crimes.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson of the EFCC, said in a statement
on Wednesday that Olukayode spoke at the 64th annual general conference of the
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) taking place in Lagos.
Olukoyede said legal practitioners must observe due
diligence in their dealings with clients to avoid breaching sections of the
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regulations.
“As lawyers, we are supposed to hold a position of trust in our professional conduct,” the statement reads.
“While we try to
comply with international laws and regulations, we should also do what is right
for ourselves to protect the sanctity of our profession, which is very key.
“If you do the right things, they will automatically take
you out of the grey list.
“It is expedient on you to, at least, know who your client
is. You are expected to be paid from a legitimate source.
“If you are a victim
of crimes, you will understand what I am saying. As lawyers, you must not, in
any way, derogate or demean your professional commitment to your clients.
“Even a part of the Money Laundering Act that we have
evaluated doesn’t stop me from enforcing the regulations of the EFCC Act and
other financial laws in Nigeria.
“It is my duty to trace the proceeds of crimes. And if I
trace it to you, I will invite you for questioning, and it is your duty to
answer my questions.
“I mean, why do we talk about aiding and abetting crimes? Why
do we have accessories before and after the fact?
“Knowing this will
assist me to determine your level of culpability or otherwise.
“We are not saying you are not entitled to your pay, but
what we are saying is that the money that comes to you must not be the proceeds
of crimes.”
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This EFCC chairman is a mad man. So if my client pays me for a job, I will take the money to Babalawo to confirm if it were proceeds of crime ? Were
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