Benchmark Naija

So I went to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Headquarters in Abuja today to see a client and something happened that I desire to share with you all. If you are very familiar with visiting any of the Nigerian Security Agencies, you will know that it’s their internal basic law that phones are not allowed inside the premises, though EFCC extended their policy to include bags, smart watches, laptops, etc. The moment you get to the security post having any of those items in your possession, you will be required to drop them off with the security before the visitor's tag will be issued to you.  MY EXPERIENCE  Now the event that unfolded that amused me today went thus:  Upon my arrival with my colleague, we realized that we had left an important document in the office, my colleague and I agreed that he should drive back to the office and get the file while I proceed to see our client inside as the time for the interview was already close. My colleague was to ...

 A REVIEW OF THE MONEY LAUNDERING (PREVENTION AND PROHIBITION) ACT, 2022: THE IMPLICATION FOR LEGAL PRACTICE IN NIGERIA, BEING A PAPER PRESENTED BY J.S. OKUTEPA SAN ON THE 23RD MAY 2023 AT NBA BWARI LAW WEEK INTRODUCTION: I thank the leadership of NBA Bwari Branch for the privilege to present this paper. I am to review the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and then look at the implications for legal practice in Nigeria. Money laundering is a global problem that affects countries around the world, including Nigeria. The practice of money laundering involves the conversion of illegally obtained funds into legitimate funds. This process is carried out to conceal the true source of the funds and to evade law enforcement. In Nigeria, the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act of 2011 was enacted to address this problem. However, in 2022, the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act was passed into law, which updated and strengthened the already existing legal f...

 GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM AKPOMIEMIE M. AKPOMIEMIE TO NBA BWARI BRANCH (CRADLE BAR) ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 2023 LAW WEEK  Law is an instrument of socio-engineering and lawyers are nation builders. It is on this premise that I join the array of our friends, well-wishers, partners and the legal community in Nigeria in wishing members of the Cradle Bar, a happy Law Week.  It is through activities like law conferences, seminars and academic courses, that we enhance our continuing legal education as required by the Rules of Professional Conduct. Therefore, I thank the Monday Adheh, Esq. led Executive Council and 2023 Law Week Planning Committee of the NBA Bwari Branch for putting together a retinue of star-studded speakers at this year’s Law Week.  I wish all participants an enriching experience.  Akpomiemie M. Akpomiemie, Esq.  Lead Counsel, Judex Advocates,  Suite A62, Efab Mall, Ahmadu Bello Way, Area 11, Abuja.