From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned legal practitioners in the country to stop charging clients in foreign currencies or risk prosecution.
The anti-graft agency described the practice as illegal and unethical, warning that lawyers found culpable would 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 Head, Moshood Abiola, paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC’s 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.
He particularly warned legal practitioners against charging their clients in foreign currencies, stressing the need for lawyers to operate within the confines of the law and professional ethics.
Kaltungo said the Commission would not hesitate to prosecute anyone found culpable.
The warning signals a tougher position by the EFCC on financial practices involving professionals, particularly where such activities could breach Nigeria’s laws or facilitate financial misconduct.
The Acting Zonal Director also emphasised the importance of maintaining professional integrity, urging lawyers to ensure that 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 concern and the need for stronger cooperation in promoting lawful 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 places lawyers who engage in prohibited financial practices on notice that they could face scrutiny by the anti-graft agency.
The Commission’s position also comes amid continuing efforts by 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 capable of exposing them to legal consequences, reiterating that the EFCC would act against anyone found culpable.
