NBA trains lawyers on ethics, anti-money laundering compliance in Kano

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, Kano State, has organized a seminar to strengthen lawyers’ understanding of professional ethics and anti-money laundering compliance. 

Held on Thursday in Kano, the seminar focused on the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 2023 and the role of legal practitioners in preventing money laundering.

The Chairman of the NBA Ungogo Branch, Barrister Ahmad Abubakar Gwadabe, described the training as a step-down initiative aimed at equipping lawyers, particularly young practitioners, with the knowledge needed to uphold ethical standards and financial accountability in their practice. 

Gwadabe noted that many young lawyers struggle with understanding their professional responsibilities, particularly in maintaining proper communication with clients and avoiding conflicts of interest.

He emphasized that lawyers must ensure transparency in their dealings, provide clients with regular case updates, and strictly adhere to ethical guidelines to maintain public trust. 

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Speaking on the theme of anti-money laundering, he highlighted the importance of knowing one’s clients and ensuring that legal practitioners do not inadvertently become involved in illicit financial activities.

He stressed that compliance with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 is crucial for lawyers to protect both their reputation and the integrity of the profession. 

Secretary of the NBA Ungogo Branch’s Continental Legal Education, Sadiq Sammani Lawan, explained that the seminar was organized in response to recent amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 2023.

He said these changes were introduced at the national level and cascaded to NBA branches to ensure all members understand and comply with the new provisions.

He added that the training was also influenced by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) initiative, which had previously conducted a national workshop for NBA chairmen and other legal stakeholders. 

Lawan stressed that the legal profession is built on trust, and with increased scrutiny on financial transactions, lawyers must be prepared to uphold ethical standards.

He noted that the seminar was the first of its kind organized by the NBA Ungogo Branch, demonstrating its commitment to ethical and professional development among its members. 

In his presentation, , a private legal practitioner, Barrister Tajudeen A. O. Funsho spoke on Anti-Money Laundering Compliance in Legal Practice: The Roles of the EFCC, the Nigerian Police, and the NBA in Monitoring, Enforcement, and Regulation.

He underscored the importance of financial transparency, particularly in handling client funds, cautioning that lawyers should not have direct access to client accounts to avoid ethical violations. 

Funsho traced the evolution of Nigeria’s money laundering laws, noting that repeated amendments have expanded their scope to cover legal practitioners.

He criticized the definition of money laundering provided in the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 2023, describing it as poorly drafted and in need of revision.

However, he maintained that despite its shortcomings, the law remains essential in combating financial crimes and ensuring compliance within the legal profession. 

SolaceBase reports that the seminar featured discussions on key topics, including Lawyers’ Duties to Clients Under the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct: Ethical Boundaries and Best Practices, Ethical Violations and Disciplinary Measures for Legal Practitioners, and Implementing AML/CFT Obligations in Legal Practice: Strategies for Effective Compliance and Risk Mitigation.