NBA: The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb(UK), has paid a courtesy visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, where she met with the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, and members of the Commission’s management team.
The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on issues at the intersection of the legal profession, law enforcement and the administration of justice.
One of the key issues raised by the NBA President was the recent concern surrounding the payment of legal professional fees in foreign currency.
According to Badejo-Okusanya, the implications of the matter for legal practitioners and the wider justice system made it necessary to seek direct clarification from the Commission.
She stated that the EFCC Chairman clarified that comments attributed to the Lagos Zonal Directorate should not be interpreted as representing the general policy position of the Commission, adding that the comments had been taken out of context.
The discussions also focused on the need for a constructive relationship between the legal profession and law enforcement institutions, founded on mutual respect, clear communication and adherence to the law.
The NBA President stressed that open engagement between lawyers and law enforcement agencies, particularly through appropriate institutional channels, could strengthen both institutions and contribute to the effective administration of justice.
She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that the Nigerian Bar Association maintains meaningful dialogue with institutions whose activities directly affect legal practice and the protection of rights.
“A strong and independent Bar must be willing to engage, to ask difficult questions where necessary, and to build partnerships where those partnerships can advance justice and the rule of law,” she stated.
Thank you, and I remain committed to advancing constructive engagement in the service of justice, the rule of law, and the legal profession.
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb(UK)
President, Nigerian Bar Association
- EFCC Warns Lawyers Over Foreign-Currency Legal Fees Read on LegalLinkz
- Dollar Legal Fees: Where Does Nigerian Law Draw the Line? Read on LegalLinkz
