He gave the advice yesterday in Abuja during the book launch, titled, ‘Fundamental Principles of Nigeria Criminal Law’ authored by Dr Esa O. Onoja, a lecturer at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja. Malami said corruption is a fundamental cause of under development, adding that legal education in Nigeria will be incomplete without informing aspirants to the bar on the issue of corruption and economic crimes. I look forward to the day when members of the bar will commence the, ‘Know Your Client’ so as to guard and prevent advance fee fraud and corruption in the country, members of this noble profession should know the source of wealth of their clients otherwise they run the risk of complicity.’ He said the subject of crime and the way it is dealt with, is a subject of international discourse. While reiterating that the present administration is committed to tackling the issue of corruption in the country, he said the book being launched is timely and a welcome development in that direction. The guest speaker, Prof Yemi Akinshidele noted that Nigeria is facing several challenges fighting corruption. According to him, there are still many hurdles to cross before the battle can be won. The professor of law, however, lamented that there are differences between fighting corruption when a high profile person is involved and when a commoner is involved. ‘The administration of the criminal justice act is not only for the poor but also for the high and mighty. A situation whereby high profile cases of corruption end nowhere does not augur well for the country.” According to Prof Yemi, it would not be erroneous to say that the war against corruption cannot be won without a conviction. ]]>