EFCC seeks updated laws, stronger protection for prosecutors

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised concerns over the risks faced by prosecutors handling high-profile or politically exposed cases in Nigeria.

Ifeyinwa Azegbeobor, head of the Legal and Prosecution Department at the Uyo Zonal Directorate, made the remarks while presenting a paper at a one-day workshop in Uyo on Friday titled, “Prosecuting Financial Crimes in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward.”

Azegbeobor described prosecuting financial crimes in Nigeria as emotionally, mentally, and financially demanding. She highlighted challenges including limited institutional capacity, legal gaps, evidence gathering difficulties, witness availability, media conduct that prejudices trials, and security threats—particularly during out-of-jurisdiction prosecutions.

“Prosecutors face high risks, especially when handling high-profile or politically exposed cases,” she said, emphasising the need for enhanced security measures.

She also called for updates to existing legislation to address modern and evolving financial crimes, including cybercrime and issues related to beneficial ownership. Azegbeobor advocated for the clarification of overlapping laws to prevent conflicts between agencies and recommended increased penalties to serve as a deterrent.

Earlier, the EFCC Zonal Coordinator for Akwa Ibom, Abia, and Cross River, Mr. Johnson Oshodi, urged civil society organisations and media participants to continue playing their role in shaping society. He stressed the need for collective action against corruption to build a fair and secure society.

“In recent times, fighting corruption has taken on a new dimension. We must come together to ensure that a few individuals do not turn our society into a place of uncertainty, where neither we nor our children can feel secure,” Oshodi said.

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