EFCC threatens to prosecute lawyers by charging dollar fees – THIS END

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned legal traders in the country to stop charging customers for foreign currencies or risk legal action.

The anti-corruption agency has described the practice as illegal and unethical, warning that lawyers found guilty will face the full weight of the law.

The EFCC disclosed this on Monday in a statement posted on its social media pages, detailing an interaction between its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Task Force on Illegal Practice of Law.

The interaction took place on Friday, September 11, 2026, when a delegation of the NBA Task Force, led by its boss, Moshood Abiola, paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo.

Speaking during the interactive session, Kaltungo expressed concern over the activities of some lawyers involved in illegal and unethical practices.

In particular, he warned legal practitioners against charging their clients fees in foreign currencies, underlining the need for lawyers to operate within the bounds of the law and professional ethics.

Kaltungo said the Commission would not hesitate to prosecute anyone found guilty.

The warning signals a tougher stance by the EFCC on financial practices involving professionals, particularly where such activities could breach the laws of Nigeria or facilitate financial misconduct.

The Acting Area Director also highlighted the importance of maintaining professional integrity, urging lawyers to ensure their dealings with clients comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

The NBA Lagos Task Force on Illegal Practice of Law, led by Abiola, visited the EFCC as part of its engagement with relevant institutions on efforts to tackle illegal practice and other forms of misconduct within the legal profession.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss areas of mutual interest and the need for greater cooperation in promoting legitimate and ethical legal practice.

The EFCC has consistently maintained that professional status does not exempt anyone from investigation or prosecution where there is evidence of criminal conduct.

Its latest warning alerts lawyers who engage in prohibited financial practices that they could face scrutiny from the anti-corruption agency.

The Commission’s position also comes within the context of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian authorities to strengthen compliance with financial regulations and curb practices that could undermine the country’s financial system.

Kaltungo urged lawyers to desist from practices that could expose them to legal consequences, reiterating that the EFCC will take action against anyone found guilty.