The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, and the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, have pledged to strengthen their collaboration towards promoting the rule of law, protecting fundamental human rights and improving the administration of justice.
The commitment was made on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, when the Chairperson of the NBA Human Rights Committee, Hajia Rasheedat Hassan-Aribito, led members of the committee on a courtesy visit to the Zonal Director of the EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Directorate, ACE 1 Victoria Ugo-Ali.
Hassan-Aribito, who is also the Vice Chairperson of the NBA, Ilorin Branch, commended the EFCC for its efforts in combating corruption, sanitising society and upholding the rule of law.
She explained that the NBA Human Rights Committee was established to protect the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly indigent and vulnerable people who may lack the financial capacity to secure legal representation.
The committee chairperson said collaboration between the legal profession and law enforcement agencies was essential to ensuring that justice was administered fairly while citizens’ fundamental rights were protected.
Responding, Ugo-Ali appreciated the NBA committee for the visit and described the association as a critical stakeholder in the fight against corruption and the administration of justice.
She assured the delegation that respect for the rule of law remained a guiding principle of the EFCC.
“The EFCC could not effectively discharge its mandate without respecting the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and other relevant laws. The Commission is very big on issues of fundamental rights,” Ugo-Ali said.
She disclosed that the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, had directed that issues relating to alleged abuse of fundamental human rights should be given priority in the Commission’s activities.
Ugo-Ali said the EFCC remained committed to carrying out its statutory responsibilities while ensuring that the rights of individuals were respected in the course of investigations and prosecutions.
The meeting, according to the parties, underscored the need for continued cooperation between the anti-graft agency and the legal profession in strengthening the justice system and promoting accountability and respect for human rights.
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