The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called on Nigerian lawyers to uphold professional integrity and resist being used as conduits for money laundering or corrupt practices.
Dr. Aliyu made the appeal on Friday while addressing members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada Branch, during their monthly meeting at the Sharia Court of Appeal, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Sunday.
Speaking on the theme “The Legal Practitioner as Gatekeeper: Upholding Professional Ethics to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering,” the ICPC boss underscored the strategic role of lawyers in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and reputation.
He noted that sections 6(e) and 6(f) of the ICPC Act empower the Commission not only to prosecute corruption cases but also to engage in enlightenment and advocacy.
Reflecting on the 2023 amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), in which he participated, Dr. Aliyu described lawyers as “gatekeepers” with a duty to prevent illicit financial flows.
He warned that money launderers and outlawed organisations often seek to exploit lawyers and their chambers to legitimize illicit funds.
“Dirty money, whether laundered into society or stashed away for future use, poses a huge challenge across Nigeria, Africa, and the globe,” he said.
He added that Section 15 of the Constitution mandates all Nigerians to work towards abolishing corruption and abuse of office.
He urged legal practitioners to practice strict client due diligence in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the ICPC Act, 2000.
He also reminded them that Rules 71 and 72 of the RPC, 2023, prohibit complicity in money laundering, warning that the ICPC would investigate any lawyer implicated in aiding corruption.
“Know your client. Protect yourself with knowledge of both your profession and those you represent. Intellectual vigilance is crucial to discerning integrity,” Dr. Aliyu advised.
He further cautioned that reputation remains a lawyer’s most valuable asset, warning that aiding illegality could lead to disbarment, loss of license, and permanent reputational damage in today’s digital age.
Earlier, Chairman of the NBA Gwagwalada Branch, Mr. Clever Owoh, expressed appreciation to the ICPC Chairman for honouring the invitation, noting that the engagement would strengthen collaboration between the NBA and the Commission.
