The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has clarified the Commission’s position on the controversy surrounding lawyers charging professional fees in foreign currencies, saying comments attributed to its Lagos Zonal Directorate should not be regarded as a general policy position of the anti-graft agency without appropriate clarification.
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Olukoyede gave the clarification when the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb, led a delegation of the Association on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The clarification followed concerns raised by the NBA President over recent comments attributed to the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate regarding lawyers who receive or charge professional fees in foreign currencies.
Badejo-Okusanya maintained that the mere charging of professional fees in foreign currency does not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence, stressing the fundamental principle that no person should be prosecuted for conduct that is not criminalised by law.
Responding, Olukoyede stated that he remained the official policy spokesman of the Commission and explained that statements attributed to the Lagos Zonal Director on the issue should not be interpreted as representing a blanket EFCC policy.
According to him, the comments had been taken out of context and did not accurately convey the Commission’s position. He stressed the need for proper context and accurate interpretation of statements by EFCC officials, particularly where they could have significant implications for members of the legal profession.
The EFCC Chairman assured the NBA delegation that the Commission would continue to operate transparently and within the limits of its statutory powers, explaining that petitions are investigated only where the allegations fall within the EFCC’s mandate and applicable financial-crimes laws.
Earlier, Badejo-Okusanya commended Olukoyede for what she described as his leadership and the Commission’s efforts in investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes and recovering proceeds of crime.
She also acknowledged the EFCC’s contribution to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force Grey List, noting the implications for investor confidence and cross-border financial transactions.
The NBA President, however, urged the Commission to maintain a measured approach to investigations and arrests and sustain efforts to curb sensational arrests and media trials.
She called for thorough investigations and due diligence before prosecution, insisting that the EFCC’s enforcement activities must remain consistent with due process and the rule of law.
Olukoyede acknowledged concerns over media trials and instances of overzealous conduct by personnel and stressed the need for professionalism and respect for the law.
He thanked the NBA for its support and pledged continued collaboration between the Commission and the Bar in promoting regulatory compliance, preventing financial crimes and strengthening ethical standards within the legal profession.
The NBA delegation also toured EFCC Radio 97.3, an initiative established under Olukoyede’s leadership to educate the public on economic and financial crimes and their prevention.
Badejo-Okusanya subsequently granted an impromptu live interview at the station and promised to return at a later date to read the news.
The statement on the visit was signed by the NBA National Assistant Publicity Secretary, Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, Esq.The strongest angle is the legal-fees clarification, because it connects the NBA President’s legal objection directly with Olukoyede’s response rather than presenting the courtesy visit as the main news.
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