The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ilorin Branch, have pledged to deepen collaboration in promoting the rule of law, protecting human rights and advancing justice delivery.
The pledge was made on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, when the Chairperson of the NBA Human Rights Committee, Hajia Rasheedat Hassan-Aribito, led members of the Committee on a courtesy visit to the Zonal Director, Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, ACE I Victoria Ugo-Ali, at the Commission’s office in G.R.A, Ilorin.
Hajia Hassan-Aribito, who is also the Vice Chairperson of NBA, Ilorin Branch, commended the EFCC for its role in sanitizing society and upholding the rule of law in the anti-corruption fight.
She said the Human Rights Committee was established by the NBA to safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens, especially the indigent and vulnerable who lack the means to secure legal representation.
She noted that the Committee is concerned about preventing rights abuses and ensuring that innocent persons are not subjected to unjust treatment, adding that the EFCC as a leading law enforcement agency has a critical role in protecting citizens’ rights in the course of investigation and prosecution of financial crimes.
She called for stronger engagement between the Commission and the Bar, particularly on matters involving lawyers appearing before the EFCC, and assured that the NBA would not condone professional misconduct. According to her, lawyers must uphold professional ethics and ensure strict adherence to due process.
In her response, Ugo-Ali thanked the Committee for the visit and described the NBA as a key stakeholder in the fight against corruption and the administration of justice.
She stressed that respect for fundamental human rights and the rule of law remains a core guiding principle of the EFCC under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
“The Commission is very big on issues of fundamental rights. The Executive Chairman has directed that issues of abuse of fundamental rights should be given priority in our activities,” Ugo-Ali said.
She noted that the Commission’s operations are guided by the Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, and other relevant laws, adding that due process remains central to its investigative and prosecutorial functions.
Describing lawyers as ministers in the temple of justice, the Zonal Director solicited their continued cooperation and professional support to ensure that the anti-corruption war is fought within the ambit of the law while justice is delivered to victims of financial crimes.
