EFCC threatens prosecution of lawyers charging clients in dollars

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned Nigerian lawyers against demanding payment from clients in dollars and other foreign currencies, saying those who violate the law could be prosecuted.

The Commission issued the warning on Monday following a meeting between officials of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 and the Nigerian Bar Association Lagos Task Force on Illegal Practice of Law.

The NBA delegation was led by the task force’s head, Moshood Abiola.

Speaking during the meeting, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, expressed concern over what he described as illegal and unethical practices among some members of the legal profession.

Kaltungo specifically urged lawyers to stop charging their clients in foreign currencies, stressing the need for legal practitioners to comply with existing laws and professional standards.

“The EFCC has called on legal practitioners in the country to desist from the illegal and unethical practice of charging clients in foreign currencies,” the Commission said in a statement shared on its official X account on Monday.

The anti-graft agency warned that lawyers found engaging in the practice would face prosecution.

The meeting also examined ways to address illegal practices within the legal profession and deepen cooperation between the EFCC and the NBA task force.

The Commission said the engagement was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with relevant professional bodies in tackling practices that violate Nigerian laws.

The EFCC had in 2024 similarly warned schools, supermarkets, hotels and other businesses against pricing or demanding payment for goods and services in dollars or other foreign currencies within Nigeria.