By Blessing Omale, Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has cautioned members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) against filing unnecessary and frivolous petitions against anti-corruption agencies and judges during litigations.
Dr. Aliyu issued the warning on Monday while hosting the Chairman and members of the National Litigation Committee (NLT) of the NBA at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education and spokesperson for the Commission.
According to the ICPC Chairman, such petitions without concrete justification undermine the efforts of officers and judges engaged in the fight against corruption.
He stressed that lawyers and anti-corruption agencies are colleagues and partners with a shared goal of eradicating corruption in Nigeria.
“Writing unnecessary petitions against officers of the Commission and Judges without concrete justification is not proper, as we are all colleagues and partners in the fight against corruption,”
“Appropriate professional measures should be explored in resolving issues between lawyers and anti-corruption officers during investigations and litigations”, Dr. Aliyu said.
Dr. Aliyu further assured that the ICPC remains committed to protecting the rights of both lawyers and its officers.
“In ICPC, there is no harassment of lawyers. We ensure that the rights of lawyers are protected, so also the rights of our officers in the course of their duties,” he said.
He urged the NBA to bring any concerns to the Commission, assuring that such matters would be handled objectively.
“We try our best to protect the rights of suspects and their lawyers. Since I assumed office as Chairman, I have not received any complaint of lawyers being harassed by officers of the Commission,” he added.
The Chairman emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding between lawyers and anti-corruption agencies, urging lawyers to show professional courtesy when dealing with the Commission.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Litigation Committee, Barr. Vincent Otaokpokpu, explained that the Committee was established by the NBA leadership to advocate for lawyers’ rights and ensure their protection.
He described the ICPC as a critical partner in the legal profession’s engagement with anti-corruption efforts.
“The Committee was inaugurated and charged with responsibilities such as advocating for lawyers’ rights, promoting their interests, and defending them against any form of harassment or humiliation by law enforcement agents,” Barr. Otaokpokpu stated.
He acknowledged that challenges might arise in interactions between lawyers and anti-corruption agencies, particularly when lawyers become overzealous in defending their clients.
Nevertheless, he pledged the Committee’s support in educating lawyers to uphold professional integrity and the rule of law while collaborating with the ICPC in its anti-corruption efforts.
The ICPC Chairman also used the opportunity to encourage lawyers to take anti-money laundering regulations seriously, as outlined in the NBA’s professional guidelines.
The meeting underscored the shared resolve of both the ICPC and the NBA to tackle corruption while maintaining mutual respect and professional conduct in the administration of justice.
