Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu, has urged Nigerian lawyers to recommit to ethical practice and stop enabling corruption in the justice system.
Dr Aliyu made the call on Tuesday at the 2025 Annual Law Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Lagos Branch, held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The conference had as its theme: “Reimagining the Practice of Law: Ethics, Innovation and the Future of Legal Services.”
The ICPC chairman, in a statement signed by the commission’s spokesperson and Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Demola Bakare, expressed concern over what he described as a growing ethical crisis in the legal profession.
“Lawyers are not just advocates; they are the gatekeepers of justice,” Aliyu said. “Sadly, some have chosen to become facilitators in obstructing justice. The ICPC sees this and calls for a collective recommitment to integrity.”
He criticised some legal practitioners who continue to file cases challenging the Supreme Court’s ruling on ICPC’s investigative powers, warning that such actions undermine anti-corruption efforts and damage the profession’s image.
Aliyu also acknowledged the rise of legal technology but warned that it must be used responsibly. “Legal innovation is good, but it must be guided by fairness, confidentiality, and justice,” he said.
He called on lawyers to support whistleblowers, describing them as “civic heroes,” and advocated for stronger legal protections for individuals who report corruption.
Highlighting the need to reform legal education, Aliyu revealed that the ICPC is working with stakeholders to introduce anti-corruption modules into the Nigerian Law School and university law faculties.
“As we reimagine the future of law, let us also reimagine the lawyer not just as a professional, but as a patriot,” he said.
