The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has warned lawyers to stop standing as surety and counsel to a suspect at the same time.
Acting Commander of Ibadan Zonal Command of the commission, Halima Rufa’u gave this warning on Wednesday, adding that the Commission does not charge any fee from lawyers or family members of detained suspects before releasing them on bail.
She spoke when she received the executive committee members of the Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The NBA was led by its chairman, Folashade Aladeniyi.
Rufa’u warned lawyers to desist from standing as “surety” and legal representative at the same time to suspects.
She disclosed that such an act could not only get them into trouble but also dent the image of their profession.
She said that such an act does not portray the legal profession in good light.
“In the event the suspect was released and later jumps administrative bail, the Commission will have no choice than to arrest the lawyer first, before going after other sureties”, Rufa’u warned.
Speaking, Aladeniyi lauded the commission for its efforts in curbing cybercrime and related fraud activities in Oyo State.
“I want to commend the Ibadan Zonal Command and the EFCC at large for its activities towards curbing economic and financial crimes, especially cybercrime in the country.
“This is evident in the statistics of convictions secured by the Commission over the years,” the NBA chairman said.
