The Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin (Lion) Branch, led by the Branch Chairman, Omorodion Omoigui, Esq., on September 22, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Benin Zonal Directorate, as part of efforts to strengthen engagement and build a more productive working relationship with institutions within the justice sector.
The delegation was received by the Deputy Commander of the Commission, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, who heads the Benin Zonal Directorate, alongside other senior officers of the Commission.
The meeting commenced with introductions and proceeded into a robust discussion on several issues of mutual professional and societal concern.
In his opening remarks, the Branch Chairman said the visit was aimed at fostering a closer and more collaborative relationship between the NBA Benin Branch and the Commission, while creating a platform for frank but constructive dialogue on matters affecting lawyers, suspects, investigations and the administration of criminal justice.
Among the issues raised was the practice requiring lawyers to leave their mobile phones at the entrance before gaining access to the Commission’s premises.
Omoigui expressed concern about the practice and its implications for lawyers who require their devices in the course of carrying out their professional duties.
Responding, the Zonal Director, who is himself a member of the legal profession, explained that the practice was not intended to disrespect the Bar or impede lawyers in the discharge of their professional duties, but was being implemented pursuant to existing security directives.
He, however, acknowledged the concerns raised and expressed the view that appropriate exceptions ought to be accommodated where necessary, while offering his sincere apologies for any inconvenience or unintended affront occasioned by the practice.
The Secretary of the Branch, Bright Iluobe, Esq., further drew attention to the judicial pronouncement concerning the restriction of lawyers from accessing security agencies’ premises with their mobile phones, urging the Commission to take cognisance of the position of the law in regulating access to its facilities.
Plea Bargaining, Investigations and Prosecution
The Branch Chairman also raised concerns regarding the increasing resort to plea bargaining in EFCC-related matters.
He urged the Commission to ensure that plea negotiations do not become a substitute for thorough investigation and prosecution where the available evidence warrants a full trial.
Omoigui also highlighted the broader implications of the manner in which financial crimes are investigated and prosecuted, particularly the possible long-term consequences of repeated plea arrangements on young Nigerians.
Responding, the Zonal Director clarified that plea bargain applications are ordinarily initiated by suspects, sometimes after being duly advised by their legal representatives.
He further assured the Branch that the Commission remains committed to conducting its investigations professionally, diligently and in accordance with the law, and to prosecuting matters where the evidence so warrants.
Branch Raises Concerns Over Alleged Unethical Practices
Another significant aspect of the engagement concerned allegations of unethical practices and improper professional relationships allegedly occurring within the Directorate.
The Chairman acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue but emphasised the need for transparency, professionalism and a level playing field in the interaction between lawyers and officers of the Commission.
He invited the Chairman of the Branch’s EFCC/Bar Relations Committee, Abraham Oviawe, Esq., to shed further light on concerns brought to the attention of the Branch.
The discussions that followed were frank and extensive, with the Commission requesting that evidence be presented where allegations of misconduct or improper conduct are made.
The Head of Public Affairs also reiterated the Commission’s request for concrete evidence regarding allegations of unethical practices and challenged the Branch to assist in identifying any specific instances or persons involved, noting that credible evidence would enable the Commission to take appropriate action.
Responding, the Publicity Secretary of the Branch, Osayuki King Agbonghae, Esq., acknowledged the importance of evidence in establishing any allegation of wrongdoing.
He, however, noted that concerns raised by members of the Bar deserved to be properly investigated rather than dismissed on grounds of lack of evidence, particularly allegations concerning the purported recommendation or preference of particular lawyers to suspects by persons within the Directorate.
Agbonghae therefore proposed closer institutional collaboration between the Commission and the Branch’s EFCC/Bar Relations Committee, including the possibility of a dedicated engagement mechanism through which complaints could be received, examined and appropriately escalated.
The Branch Chairman, reinforcing the proposal, emphasised the need for a structured and collaborative approach to identifying and addressing any unprofessional practices, wherever established.
In response, the Commission immediately expressed its readiness to constitute a team to work with the Branch towards examining identified concerns and addressing any substantiated instances of unethical conduct or professional misconduct.
The Zonal Director assured the delegation of his respect for the Nigerian Bar Association and emphasised his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy.
EFCC Raises Concerns Over Rights Applications
The Commission also raised concerns regarding the frequent resort by some lawyers to fundamental rights applications and other court processes which, in its view, may sometimes have a gagging effect on ongoing investigations.
The Zonal Director appealed for greater cooperation between the Bar and the Commission in striking an appropriate balance between the protection of citizens’ rights and the legitimate investigation of alleged financial crimes.
The Branch Chairman further raised concerns regarding the imposition of bail conditions which, in some instances, may be unduly onerous and difficult for suspects to meet.
The issue formed part of the wider discussion on ensuring that the administration of criminal justice remains fair, balanced and consistent with rights guaranteed by law.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange perspectives on their respective responsibilities and identify areas where continued dialogue could improve the working relationship between the Bar and the Commission.
The Zonal Director thanked the Executive Committee for the visit, congratulated the Chairman and members of the new Executive Committee, and wished the administration a successful tenure.
In his closing remarks, Omoigui thanked the Zonal Director and officers of the Commission for the warm reception and openness with which the various issues were discussed.
He commended the EFCC for its initiatives and programmes aimed at combating economic and financial crimes and reaffirmed the Branch’s readiness to sustain constructive engagement with the Commission.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to continued collaboration, professional engagement and the advancement of the administration of justice.
The visit once again highlighted the commitment of the NBA Benin (Lion) Branch to maintaining meaningful relationships with critical justice-sector institutions, while providing a responsible platform for dialogue on issues affecting the legal profession, the administration of justice and the Rule of Law.
Signed:
Osayuki King Agbonghae, Esq.
Publicity Secretary
Nigerian Bar Association, Benin (Lion) Branch
