The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, have agreed to strengthen their collaboration in tackling economic and financial crimes and other forms of criminality in Edo State.
The resolution was reached when the newly elected executives of the NBA Benin Branch visited the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
The NBA Chairman, Omorodion Omoigui, who led the delegation, said the visit was aimed at familiarising the new executives with the commission’s leadership and strengthening the existing relationship between the two institutions.
Omoigui described the EFCC as a critical institution within the criminal justice system, particularly because of the large number of cases it prosecutes before the courts.
He said closer cooperation between the Bar and the anti-graft agency would contribute to efforts to address corruption and other financial crimes in the state.
Responding, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Deputy Commander Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, congratulated the new NBA executives on their election and expressed the commission’s readiness to deepen its relationship with the Benin branch.
Sa’ad said the EFCC recognised the importance of the legal profession in the effective discharge of its mandate, particularly in the prosecution of cases before the courts.
He said collaboration with the Bar remained important to the commission’s work and would help strengthen the administration of criminal justice.
According to him, the commission’s successes in prosecuting cases are anchored on its core values of integrity, professionalism, courage and collaboration.
The EFCC boss said the visit would further strengthen the existing relationship between the two organisations and create room for greater cooperation in the fight against economic and financial crimes in Edo State.
The meeting is part of efforts by both institutions to improve cooperation within the criminal justice system and support the prosecution of financial crimes in the state.
