AGENCY REORT
Lawyers are warned to desist from standing as “surety” and legal representative at the same time to suspects
The acting zonal commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Ibadan, Halima Rufa’u, has said securing administrative bail of suspects in custody is free.
According to EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement on Wednesday, said Ms Rufa’u stated this while receiving executive committee members of the Ibadan Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The delegation was led by the branch’s chairman, Folashade Aladeniyi.
Ms Rufa’u said EFCC does not charge a fee from lawyers or family members of detained suspects before releasing them on bail.
She, therefore, warned lawyers to desist from standing as “surety” and legal representative at the same time to suspects.
The EFCC official added that such an act could not only get them into trouble, which does not portray the legal profession in good light.
“In the event the suspect was released and later jumps administrative bail, the commission will have no choice than to arrest the lawyer first before going after other sureties,” Ms Rufa’u warned.
Ms Rufa’u, however, commended the NBA for the visit, adding that it would strengthen the existing collaboration and synergy between the two bodies.
Ms Aladeniyi commended the EFCC Ibadan zonal command for its efforts in curbing cybercrime and related fraud activities in Oyo.
“This is evident in the statistics of convictions secured by the Commission over the years,” stated Ms Aladeniyi.
She appealed to the acting zonal commander to protect the rights of suspects in detention by ensuring their quick release.
Ms Aladeniyi urged EFCC not to hesitate to commence an investigation into the activities of politically-exposed persons accused of corruption in Oyo.
(NAN)
