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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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Turkiye Condoles Nigeria over Passing of Buhari

Turkiye Condoles Nigeria over Passing of Buhari
By: Michael Mike
The Turkish government has condoled with the government and people of Nigeria over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari who died on Sunday at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness was buried in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State on Tuesday.
Speaking on occassion on the 9th anniversary of the attempted forceful change of government in Turkey, the Turkish Ambasssdor designate, Mehmet Poroy said “the government of Turkey expressed its deep condolences to the people and the government of Nigeria, on the passing of the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari.”
Leading dignitaries at the occasion to observed a minute of silence, the ambassador also prayed that the Almighty Allah bless his soul.
Speaking on the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day ceremony, Poroy said its a day set aside to honour the memories of those who died in the process of defending democracy.
He said: “On this July 15th, Democracy and National Unity Day, I extend my respectful greetings to all our citizens and honour the memory of our heroic martyrs who gave their lives for the preservation of democratic and independent Turkey. I would like to thank once again for your presence here today in our embassy. We are grateful to you, dear friends, for sharing our feelings on the anniversary of this attempted coup, a direct threat to democracy and the will of our people in Turkey.”
The envoy also disclosed that over 200 institutions run by the group suspected to be behind the attempted coup has been taken over by Turkish institutions.
He noted that: “The fact that new investigations and arrests into the organisation continue to be launched, demonstrates the need for this struggle to be pursued with unwavering determination.”
Turkiye Condoles Nigeria over Passing of Buhari
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UN Reaffirms Commitment to Building Act of Diplomacy in Young Nigerians

UN Reaffirms Commitment to Building Act of Diplomacy in Young Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
United Nations has reiterated its commitment to supporting young Nigerians imbibe diplomacy as skills to ensure a better future.
The commitment was made on Tuesday by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Fall, in Abuja at the inaugural Premiere Academy International Model UN (PAIMUN) conference organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria.

The conference, which is centered on commemorating the 80th anniversary since the founding of the United Nations, seeks to promote peace, tolerance, diplomacy and consensus building amongst youths.
Fall said while delivering a welcome address at the maiden Premiere Academy International Model UN (PAIMUN) that Nigeria has an undoubtedly commitment to the UN and its many goals.
He said: “Nigeria joined the UN shortly after gaining independence and since then it has a key player, the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN is from Nigeria.
“It is critical we take UN out of formal space like interaction with government, get young people and civil society involved and because more than ever, UN goals and ideals are needed.
“Let us not forget that UN was established to prevent conflict, promote security, human dignity and development, as well as provide assistance to the most vulnerable and leave no one behind.
“It is time for us, to double down, reinforce them, and spread this message. What I have seen young people do in this regard is part of it, because the future is theirs,

“Getting them trained and know how UN functions, learn diplomacy, learn tactful way of solving and peaceful way of solving difference is something which is really critical in today’s world.”
He promised to improve on the maiden edition of the conference beyond Abuja and a specific school, in order to accommodate the 36 states and all local government areas in the country.
He noted that the UN Charter started with people and the people are not only the government, but also those who are hard to reach and most vulnerable.
Fall said: “It is everyone, those who are female, those who live with disability, and I think the notion of inclusion of UN has found expression in this principle of we the people.
“Young people to understand that the future is theirs. Today’s and tomorrow’s shape have to be done by them. It is their call.
“The same way the generation of those who came out of the Second World War created UN for building peace and security. It is their time and their call to take the challenge of today.
“The challenge today are conflict, insecurity, climate-related shock, poverty and inequality, they have to take it and that is my appeal to all young people,” Fall advised.
The Principal of Premier Academy, Mr Christopher Akinsowon, on his part, commended the conference for helping the students to better understand the operation of the UN General Assembly.
He said: “What we are doing here is a simulation of the UN General Assembly. This very section teaches not only students, even we adults, the process of diplomacy.
“Such that we can resolve all issues in a very diplomatic way, as against fighting, war and aggression.
“If all states and local governments in Nigeria adopted diplomacy, there will not be so much war or crises here and there; we will talk it out instead of war.
“So, that is what we here to inculcate in these young minds, because very soon they will be
the ones that will take over as leaders, whether you like it or not.”
Highpoint of the PAIMUN conference attended by 109-students was the students playing the roles of ambassadors of UN Member States with focus on UN@80: “Building the future together.”
UN Reaffirms Commitment to Building Act of Diplomacy in Young Nigerians
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ECOWAS Court to Deliver Ruling in a Case Brought by Ghana’s Chief Justice

ECOWAS Court to Deliver Ruling in a Case Brought by Ghana’s Chief Justice
By: Michael Mike
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS on Monday, 14 July 2025 adjourned for a ruling on an application for provisional measures brought by the Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, and the preliminary objections raised by the Republic of Ghana. The initiating application with suit No.
ECW/CCJ/APP/32/25, filed by the Chief Justice of Ghana, sought a suspension of ongoing proceedings to remove her from office and her reinstatement with full entitlements, pending the determination of the substantive matter before the Court. During the hearing, the Respondent requested that its jurisdictional objection be heard first as it pertains to the Court’s power to determine the request for provisional measures. It argued that the Court lacked jurisdiction and that the application was inadmissible since it concerned constitutional matters pending before competent domestic courts in Ghana, including its Supreme Court.
The Respondent contended that allowing the ECOWAS Court to proceed would amount to forum shopping and could lead to conflicting decisions. It cited some decided cases where the Court declined jurisdiction over matters concurrently pending before national courts, affirming its principle of non-interference in ongoing domestic judicial processes. The Respondent added that the Chief Justice was duly informed of the petition for her removal and afforded access to relevant documents.
Consequently, the ongoing process in Ghana are fully consistent with the procedures established under the Ghanaian Constitution.
In her response, the Applicant argued that the case does not involve constitutional interpretation, but rather clear violations of human rights guaranteed under regional legal instruments. She cited alleged breaches of Article 5 (right to dignity), Article 7 (right to fair hearing), and Article 15 (right to work) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The Applicant further argued that the proceedings in Ghana had already inflicted reputational harm on her and compromised judicial independence. She stressed that allowing it to proceed could render the substantive matter before the ECOWAS Court moot.
On jurisdiction, the Applicant cited the ECOWAS Court’s jurisprudence which affirm the Court’s authority to hear human rights claims despite ongoing domestic proceedings, particularly when the domestic remedies are ineffective, or the violations persist.
The Applicant pointed out that the purpose of the application for provisional measures was to temporarily protect her rights and prevent irreparable harm, pending the final decision on the substantive case.
The matter has been adjourned for a ruling at date to be communicated to the parties.
ECOWAS Court to Deliver Ruling in a Case Brought by Ghana’s Chief Justice
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