ICPC warns lawyers against aiding money laundering

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has cautioned lawyers against allowing themselves to be used as tools for money laundering and other corrupt practices.

Addressing members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada Branch, during their monthly meeting at the Sharia Court of Appeal, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Aliyu stressed that legal practitioners must uphold integrity and moral values as “gatekeepers” of the justice system.

The ICPC boss, a former Vice Chairman of NBA Kano Branch, said he chose Gwagwalada to begin engagements with the bar because of its intellectual vibrancy.

Speaking on the theme: “The Legal Practitioner as Gatekeeper: Upholding Professional Ethics to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering,” he reminded lawyers that their role goes beyond client representation to shielding the economy from illicit financial flows.

Quoting Sections 6(e) and 6(f) of the ICPC Act, he explained that the Commission is empowered not only to investigate but also to enlighten and advocate against corruption.

“Dirty money, whether laundered into society or hidden for later use, poses a huge challenge across Nigeria, Africa and the globe. Section 15 of the Constitution obligates every Nigerian to work towards abolishing corrupt practices and abuse of office,” he said.

Aliyu warned that money launderers and outlawed groups often attempt to use law offices as fronts, exposing practitioners to grave professional and legal risks. He therefore urged lawyers to adopt strict client due diligence in line with the 2022 Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).

“Know your client. Protect yourself with knowledge of both your profession and those you represent. Intellectual vigilance is crucial to discerning integrity,” he advised.

He noted that Rules 71 and 72 of the RPC, 2023, specifically prohibit complicity in money laundering and said the ICPC would not hesitate to investigate petitions against lawyers found culpable.

Citing a case where a lawyer resisted compromise and pursued a matter to the Supreme Court despite personal risks, Aliyu said such integrity must guide practitioners.

“Reputation is a lawyer’s most valuable asset. Once destroyed, it is irreversible. The digital world of 2025 never forgets,” he added.

He reminded lawyers that aiding illegality could lead to reputational damage, loss of licence and disbarment, and urged senior members of the bar to lead by example.

“Everyone will account for his or her actions. That is what drives my fight against corruption,” he declared.

NBA Gwagwalada Branch Chairman, Owoh, thanked Aliyu for honouring the branch’s invitation, saying the engagement would strengthen collaboration between the Commission and the bar.