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Money Laundering: EU, International IDEA, NBA Collaborate to Get Nigeria Solve Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing
Money Laundering: EU, International IDEA, NBA Collaborate to Get Nigeria Solve Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing
…Over 300 Lawyers sensitized on professional conduct
By: Michael Mike
The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) with the support of the European Union are working together with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to get Nigeria off the high risk areas of money laundry, funding of terrorism and, proliferation of small arms.
Nigeria has already been designated as one of the high risk areas of money laundering and terrorism financing.
the Anti-corruption Programme Manager of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Programme (RoLAC-Phase II) of International IDEA, Dr. Emmanuel Uche, at a two-day sensitization event on the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners in Abuja, said the main essence of this workshop is to get lawyers on board to get Nigeria off the grey list of the Global Financial Action Task Force.
According to him, the taskforce is the global body that monitors financial transactions and the financial risks inherent in different jurisdictions.
He said: “The last evaluations of Nigeria’s risk clearly says Nigeria is one of the high risk areas of money laundry, funding of terrorism and, proliferation of small arms which underscores the challenges Nigeria is currently facing today and therefore, they’ve made a handful of recommendations necessary to get Nigeria out of that high level vulnerability to this risks.
“While those risks subsists and Nigeria remains on this grey list, there would be very limited confidence in Nigeria, being able to participate with other global countries that mean well. That’s why you will be surprised, when you want to use your debit card on an international website, it is not recognised.
“Other jurisdictions don’t honour our financial instruments because they think working with us exposes them to the same risks of money laundering, terrorism financing amd all that you see with kidnapping and proliferation of small arms.”
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Afam Osigwe, said the ability of lawyers to adhere to the highest ethical standards in giving services to the people is very important.
He said even if it’s one lawyer that runs foul of our Rules of Professional Conduct, it worries us.
“While we may not achieve 100 percent compliance level, we want to instill confidence in the public that we are interested in ensuring that members of the public adhere to the highest standard.
“”We will also ensure that those who violate their Rules of Professional Conduct are brought to book because that’s the only way we can show the society that we have the capacity and the willingness to weed out those who give us a bad name”.
The Head of Programme, RoLAC II, International IDEA, Mr. Danladi Plang, at the event said the importance of seeking to increase transparency and accountability of anti-corruption systems and reforms cannot be overemphasised as it is regarded as fundamental to sustaining a democratic system of government.
Plang who was represented by the State Project Coordinator, Abia State, RoLAC II
Mr Peter Omenka, said the democratic system of governance comprises a network of interdependent actors and the performance of each actor is affected by the performance of others.
He stated: “Within the system, the legal practitioners are recognised to generally work to support progressive ideals whereby lawyers are expected to be sensitive and create a process to which democracy can flourish.
“It is relatively fair to acknowledge the unique role that lawyers’ play in the protection of rule of law within a limited sphere.
“The legal profession is often regarded as a catalyst for progressive reforms within the legal and societal frameworks of a nation. Legal professionals serve as the architects of the legal system, playing a pivotal role in refining and sustaining the democratic structures of governance. “
The Head of Programme further stated that the ” issues such as misrepresentation of facts, fraud, exploitation of legal loopholes, deceit, and intimidation have marred the integrity of the profession. These unethical practices pose a significant threat to the legal system and must be addressed before they undermine its foundation. In Nigeria, instances of professional misconduct frequently go unchallenged, suggesting a more widespread prevalence of such behavior.”
“Over the years, there has been an increasing societal focus on the ethical conduct of legal professionals, emphasizing the protection of individuals, clients, the courts, fellow practitioners, and the legal profession itself.”
According to him, the “ growing concern underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in law. In response to this, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Chairman of the General Council of the Bar undertook a review of the Rules of Professional Conduct (2007), aiming to address global malpractice concerns and to ensure that the conduct of legal professionals reflects the highest ethical standards.
“Every society influences its ethical disciplinary culture and ensuring fairness and consistency in a disciplinary procedure promotes a progressive societal value for the public. It fosters positive cultures, encourages a fair and transparent approach to societal goals that promotes confidence and trust. What remains unenforceable and has limited the discipline of erring lawyers is the disciplinary procedure and this gap within the legal community remains a major challenge for the noble profession.”
Earlier, the Communications Officer, International IDEA, Mukhtar Suleiman
in a media advisory, said the two-day national sensitization event, scheduled to take place in Abuja, will serve as a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, with participants from all 130 NBA branches, including branch chairpersons and leaders of the Young Lawyers’ Forum.
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Money Laundering: EU, International IDEA, NBA Collaborate to Get Nigeria Solve Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing
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PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack by Boko Haram on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The President mourns the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, and those caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.
He describes the attack by the terrorists as a heartless assault on hapless citizens, urging Nigerians in Borno and elsewhere not to succumb to fear.
President Tinubu commends the military for their swift response, which led to the killing of scores of terrorists and their subsequent forced retreat.
He charges the military and other security agencies to work urgently to rescue those kidnapped by the terrorists.
Additionally, he directs the armed forces to intensify their efforts to protect civilians nationwide and prevent attacks on military installations in the North East.
President Tinubu prays for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks and friendly fire and extends his sympathies to their families and the Borno State Government.
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
News
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently marked the 2026 World International Civil Defence Day with a weeklong series of activities, themed “Towards a safer society.”
A statement by the command’s spokesperson CSC Bulus James, stated that the celebration began with briefings and sensitization of staff on NSCDC’s critical roles in Crisis Management, Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Counter-terrorism, and VIP Protection.

On Thursday, 26th February 2026, officers and men, led by Acting Commandant DCC Obe Ndubuisi, embarked on a road match from the State Headquarters through the Kano Motor Park community and concluded at the headquarters, where the Acting Commandant delivered speeches on behalf of Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, including messages from the Commandant General and the State Commandant.
On the 27th February, 2026, Muslim faithfuls gathered at Al-Ansar Masjid for Jumaat prayers, with ACG CBRNE Hameed Abudurin from NHQ Abuja in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.

He was also present at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of a joint special training program held at the Nigerian Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Training School, Maiduguri, in collaboration with UNMAS which offered him the opportunity to celebrate alongside the Muslim faithfuls.
Prayers were offered by the Chief Imam Borno State, and NSCDC. Worshippers expressed gratitude for NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.

This was followed by the grand finale at the NSCDC Glorious Chapel which held a special Sunday service at the Command’s multipurpose hall, attended by guests from sister security agencies on 1st March, 2026
Goodwill messages were delivered, followed by a keynote address from Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, delivered by Acting Commandant Obe Ndubuisi.

.DCC Paul Ochola delivered an exhortation on “Selfless Service to Humanity: Towards a Safer Environment.” The service concluded with pleasantries and a group photograph.
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
News
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.
Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.

Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.
He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.

“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.

Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.
“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.
He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.
“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.

The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.
As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.
“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.
“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
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