In a proactive move to combat financial crimes within the legal profession, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, has announced the constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association Anti-money Laundering Committee (NBAAMLC).
This development comes in line with Rule 73 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (RPC) 2023. The primary objective of the committee is to advise the NBA on the implementation of Chapter 2 of the RPC, specifically focusing on the Guidelines and Rules on Anti-money Laundering and combating the Financing of Terrorism for Legal Practitioners.
The Nigerian Bar Association Anti Money Laundering Committee (NBAAMLC) is hereby constituted as follows, subject to ratification by the National Executive Council (NEC):
1. Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN – Co-chair
2. Mr Babajide Oladipo Ogundipe – Co-chair
3. Prof. Adedeji Adekunle SAN – Member
4. Alheri Bulus Nyako – Member
5. Esa Okibe Onoja – Member
6. Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu – Member
7. Professor Umar Abubakar – Member
8. Dr. Balkisu Saidu – Secretary
9. Maryam Idris Abdulkadir – Assistant Secretary
The NBAAMLC, led by distinguished legal minds, is tasked with monitoring compliance with the provisions outlined in Chapter 2 of the RPC. This includes ensuring that legal practitioners adhere to stringent anti-money laundering measures and actively participate in efforts to combat the financing of terrorism.
Speaking on the establishment of the NBAAMLC, Mr. Maikyau, SAN emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and safeguarding against illicit financial activities. He expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to provide strategic guidance to the NBA and enforce regulatory frameworks aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing.
The committee comprises seasoned professionals with expertise in legal, financial, and regulatory matters. Their collective experience and dedication to upholding ethical standards within the legal profession position them as key stakeholders in the fight against financial crimes.
The NBA National Publicity Secretary , Akorede Habeeb Lawal reiterated the organization’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability within the legal sector. He urged all members of the legal community to cooperate fully with the NBAAMLC and actively support initiatives aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
The establishment of the NBA Anti-money Laundering Committee marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its anti-money laundering regime and enhance its reputation as a responsible member of the global financial community. As the committee begins its work, all eyes are on its members to deliver tangible results in the fight against financial crimes and uphold the integrity of the legal profession.
