ICPC Chairman Urges Lawyers to Uphold Integrity, Shun Role in Money Laundering
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has charged Nigerian lawyers to uphold integrity and resist being used as tools for money laundering or corrupt practices in the discharge of their duties.
According to a statement issued by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Sunday, Dr Aliyu gave the charge while addressing members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gwagwalada Branch, during their monthly meeting held on Friday at the Sharia Court of Appeal, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme “The Legal Practitioner as Gatekeeper: Upholding Professional Ethics to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering,” the ICPC boss emphasised the strategic role of lawyers in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and global reputation. He said sections 6(e) and 6(f) of the ICPC Act mandate the Commission to tackle corruption not only through prosecution but also by enlightenment and advocacy.
Reflecting on the 2023 amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), in which he played a role, Dr Aliyu noted that lawyers must be vigilant against exploitation by money launderers. He described legal practitioners as “gatekeepers” whose responsibilities extend beyond representation to protecting the economy from illicit financial flows.
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“Dirty money, whether laundered into society or stashed away for future use, poses a huge challenge across Nigeria, Africa, and the globe,” he warned, stressing that Section 15 of the Constitution obligates every Nigerian to work towards abolishing corruption and abuse of office.
Dr Aliyu cautioned that some alleged money launderers attempt to use lawyers and their chambers as cover to “clean” illicit funds, adding that outlawed organisations may also target lawyers for such purposes. He urged practitioners to practice strict client due diligence, citing provisions of the 2022 Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and the ICPC Act, 2000.
“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 further reminded members that Rules 71 and 72 of the RPC, 2023, impose obligations on lawyers to avoid complicity in money laundering, stressing that ICPC would not hesitate to investigate any petition against a lawyer found to be aiding corruption.
Sharing an anecdote, Dr Aliyu recalled how a lawyer once risked personal safety to pursue a matter up to the Supreme Court in defence of integrity, a discipline he said should inspire the profession.
“Reputation is a lawyer’s most valuable asset. Once destroyed, the damage is irreversible. The digital world of 2025 never forgets,” he cautioned, warning of reputational damage, disbarment, and loss of license as consequences of aiding illegality.
Earlier, Chairman of NBA Gwagwalada Branch, Mr Clever Owoh, thanked Dr Aliyu for honouring the branch’s invitation, noting that the engagement would deepen collaboration between the NBA and the ICPC.
By PRNigeria
