By Laraba MUREY
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu, has cautioned legal practitioners against being used as tools for money laundering and other corrupt practices.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada Branch, on Friday, September 26, 2025, Aliyu stressed that lawyers must serve as “gatekeepers” by upholding professional ethics and protecting Nigeria’s economy from illicit financial flows.
He noted that sections of the ICPC Act empower the Commission to combat corruption through advocacy and warned that lawyers face reputational damage, disbarment, and legal consequences if found aiding illegality.
“Reputation is a lawyer’s most valuable asset. Once destroyed, the damage is irreversible. The digital world of 2025 never forgets,” he said.
The ICPC boss further urged lawyers to practice strict client due diligence in line with the 2022 Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct.
Earlier, NBA Gwagwalada Branch Chairman, Mr. Clever Owoh, commended the ICPC chairman for honouring the branch’s invitation, describing the engagement as a step towards strengthening collaboration between the NBA and the Commission.
