The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that no fewer than 100 senior lawyers are currently being prosecuted over corruption-related offences in Nigeria.

Olukoyede made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja during the second annual lecture organised by the Body of Benchers. The event brought together prominent members of the country’s legal community.

According to him, the anti-graft agency has received several petitions accusing some lawyers of engaging in financial crimes. He expressed concern about what he described as the increasing involvement of members of the legal profession in corruption.

“We have had calls to investigate quite a number of senior members of the Bar,” Olukoyede said.

He explained that checks within the EFCC’s records showed that about 100 senior lawyers are currently facing prosecution for various offences. These cases, he noted, involve allegations such as diverting clients’ funds and assisting in money laundering activities.

“Before I came here, I checked our database and discovered that we have about 100 senior members of the Bar that we are prosecuting at the moment for those offences,” he said, adding that stronger cooperation within the legal system has become necessary to address the issue.

Meanwhile, the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee also presented its 2025 report at the event. Delivering the report, Onyechi Ikpeazu said 17 lawyers were sanctioned after being found guilty of professional misconduct.

He explained that the punishments ranged from suspension to being permanently removed from the roll of legal practitioners. Three lawyers were struck off completely, while others received suspensions ranging from two to five years. One lawyer was issued a warning.

Chairman of the Body of Benchers and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola, said the gathering was meant to encourage reflection on the ethical standards of the legal profession.

“Our gathering today is not a jamboree. It is a time of reflection on our values, ethics and ethos as well as our resilience and faith in the institution,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, stressed the importance of strong regulation in maintaining the credibility of the legal profession.

She noted that the responsibilities of the Body of Benchers go beyond admitting lawyers into practice, adding that the institution also plays a key role in enforcing discipline and protecting public confidence in the justice system.

Participants at the lecture emphasised that strengthening ethics, discipline and professionalism within the Bar remains critical to rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s legal system.