“A Lawyer’s Bank Account is Exempted from EFCC, SCUML, NFIU and Police Registration/Clearance.”
Most ignorant banks will request that a lawyer obtains a proof of registration with Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) before a law firm’s bank account can be created; this is to enable EFCC and other agencies monitor such accounts easily.
This is wrong and illegal. Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), the National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have no right to demand registration and seek regulation of lawyers, their law practice and management of clients accounts.
Don’t let any bank or security agency muscle you into illegality. Enjoy your lawyers privileges!
See sections of 192 and 195 of Evidence Act, sections 5 and 25 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, Rule 19(1) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007 and the Federal High Court decision on Registered Trustees of Nigerian Bar Association V. AGF & CBN (Suit No: FHC/BS/173/2014) And the Court of Appeal decision in the case of CBN V. NBA & AGF (Appeal No: CA/A/202/2015).
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