SANs Push Back As EFCC Chair Sparks Debate Over Legal Fees
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has stirred controversy by calling on the judiciary to address the issue of exorbitant legal fees charged by senior lawyers, particularly those representing politicians. His comments, made on Monday at the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference in Abuja, have drawn strong reactions from legal experts and Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
Olukoyede alleged that funds used to pay such legal fees often originate from embezzled public resources. He urged the judiciary to examine these practices, stating, “The judiciary should address the issue of obscene legal fees senior lawyers earn from political office holders, particularly the manner in which they collect such fees which conflict with existing statutes.”
Several SANs, including former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Olisa Agbakoba, criticized the EFCC chair’s remarks as misplaced and outside the commission’s jurisdiction.
Agbakoba responded, “The EFCC chairman has no authority to suggest that the judiciary ought to wade into a matter relating to fees charged by lawyers. This issue does not concern the EFCC or the judiciary.”
Fellow SAN Mike Ahamba echoed this sentiment, asserting that it is not the responsibility of lawyers to investigate the sources of their fees. He argued, “It is none of his [Olukoyede’s] business to talk about how much is paid to senior lawyers. His focus should be on presenting strong cases in court.”
Lekan Ojo (SAN) highlighted the absence of laws regulating legal fees, emphasizing that such charges depend on the complexity and demands of a case. “In the absence of legislative enactment, it is difficult to say that a particular amount is obscene,” he noted.
While many senior lawyers opposed Olukoyede’s stance, some, like Professor Itse Sagay (SAN), supported his concerns. Sagay argued that exorbitant fees often come from looted public funds, which are then used to bribe judges, undermining the judicial system. “This triangular corruption must be addressed,” he said.
Titilola Akinlawon (SAN), however, defended the confidentiality of lawyer-client relationships, calling the EFCC’s remarks “grossly misplaced.” She insisted, “The EFCC should focus on investigating and prosecuting financial misconduct, not interfering with lawyer-client privilege.”
The debate raises questions about the intersection of legal ethics, judicial integrity, and the role of the EFCC in combating corruption. While Olukoyede’s concerns highlight potential abuses, legal experts caution against overreach that could undermine the independence of the legal profession.
With growing calls for reforms, the spotlight remains on the judiciary and legal practitioners to address systemic issues while preserving the principles of justice and fairness.
