NBA Calls for Probe After EFCC Officers Allegedly Assault Lawyer
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has called for an immediate probe after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly assaulted a legal practitioner, Mr. Oluwaseyi Idowu, at the agency’s Ibadan Zonal Command while he was performing his professional duties on November 25, 2025.
In a statement signed by Branch Chairman Ibrahim Lawal, Esq, the NBA described the incident as a shocking act of misconduct and a blatant abuse of power by public officials.
Mr. Idowu had visited the EFCC office alongside his client, a financial institution represented by a Compliance Officer, following an invitation referenced CR:3000/EFCC/IB/CMIFE/TA/425/VOL.3/005.
According to the NBA, tensions arose when the Investigating Officer, identified as Mr. Richard, allegedly became hostile after Mr. Idowu insisted that the institution’s representative be granted bail in accordance with procedure. A dispute over the bail conditions reportedly ensued, during which Mr. Idowu cautioned the officer against making derogatory remarks about his client.
The lawyer was then directed to meet a Sectional Head, who allegedly verbally abused him, calling him an impostor and a fake lawyer. The NBA statement said:
“The friendly disposition of the officer assigned to the case changed to that of unwarranted hostility against our member and the representative of his client upon the insistence that our client’s representative must be admitted to bail.
“The stringent bail condition elicited a reaction from them. Our member admonished the Investigating Officer, one Mr Richard, to desist from making derogatory remarks against the man who was merely representing an institution in his capacity as an employee.
“The officer asked a team member to take our colleague to see Sectional Head in respect of the bail conditions attached to bail. All entreaties made to this official also failed as he insisted that our colleague’s client must be detained.
“The insistence of our member on an appropriate conduct expected of a public official further infuriated the Sectional Head who accused our member of being an impostor, a fake lawyer, among several other indecorous expressions considered beneath the dignity of a public office.
“The retort from our member that he was not a stupid man caused an officer, acting presumably on the instruction of the Sectional Head, demanded that our member should keep quiet.”
“The subsequent action was a barrage of slaps and kicks from the office of the Sectional Head to the reception.”
According to the NBA, three EFCC officers “took turns to slap, kick and pushed him to the ground”. “He was held by the trousers like a common thief until he was pushed off the premises,” it added.
NBA explained the unfortunate incident was witnessed by another lawyer, Mr Busari Basit, who corroborated the story as recounted by our member.
“The leadership of the NBA and the entire members condemn this descent into infamy by public officials. We demand that the matter be investigated and all those found culpable must be sanctioned.
“On our part, we shall be approaching the court to establish the rights and duties of an attorney to his client as enshrined in our law. No public official can abridge these obligations and rights without justification.
“We intend to pursue this matter to the logical limits permissible by our law,” NBA added.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
