EFCC, AGF Back Nigeria-Canada Legal Exchange Initiative

• Ken Eneduwa said the Nigeria/Canada Legal Exchange Centre will strengthen mutual understanding and export Nigerian legal capacity to global platforms
• Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi praises the initiative as timely, aligning with Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in its justice and legal systems
• EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede urges the Nigerian diaspora in Canada to stay alert against money laundering and help protect Nigeria’s image abroad

The Convener of the Nigeria/Canada Legal Exchange Forum, Ken George Eneduwa, has explained the reasons behind the establishment of the Nigeria/Canada Legal Exchange Centre (NCLEC).

Speaking at the inauguration of the Forum held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Toronto, Canada, Eneduwa said the initiative was designed to create a lasting framework for legal cooperation between both countries.

He said the idea stemmed from the growing need to foster a stronger legal relationship that will help both nations understand each other’s evolving legal systems and strengthen collaboration between professionals in the field.

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According to him, the initiative will serve as a channel for building enduring legal partnerships and enhancing bilateral understanding.

Promoting legal cooperation and mutual growth

Eneduwa described the centre as a strategic institution aimed at transforming legal interactions into tangible bilateral value rather than a profit-oriented venture.

He explained that NCLEC will focus on building a corridor where Nigerian legal expertise becomes an exportable asset while Canada’s robust legal infrastructure provides a supportive framework for growth.

He said:

“Law is how we insulate citizens when politics goes volatile. Law is the only thing that still gives small states leverage in a world where the largest actors can change direction in a tweet.”

Eneduwa added that the forum is not just a meeting but a deliberate plan to deepen legal cooperation, promote research exchange, and address challenges in cross-border legal practice.

He listed the centre’s core objectives to include structured exchange of legal ideas, joint training programmes, collaboration with bar associations and universities, and reducing bureaucratic challenges in cross-border legal or trade activities.

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Support from Nigeria’s Attorney General and EFCC Chairman

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who inaugurated the Forum, commended the organisers for the initiative. He said the legal exchange came at a crucial time when Nigeria is undergoing major reforms in the justice system.

Fagbemi noted that the Federal Government is currently reviewing key areas such as judicial independence, human rights, access to justice, policing, corrections, and the ease of doing business.

He assured that the Ministry of Justice will actively participate in the forum’s next meeting scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, urged members of the Nigerian legal community in Canada to remain vigilant against corruption. He warned that the increase in migration could make Canada a potential hub for money laundering by corrupt individuals.

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“You will help us prevent this by providing information to law enforcement agencies,” he said, adding that the EFCC will continue to pursue accountability and transparency in governance.

The event, moderated by lawyer and journalist Shola Soyele, was attended by top Nigerian officials, attorneys general from various states, senior advocates, and legal practitioners from both countries.

EFCC accused of arresting ADC top leaders

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the EFCC questioned ex-governor of Sokoto Aminu Tambuwal over alleged ₦189bn withdrawals, sparking claims by ADC of political intimidation.

ADC accused EFCC of bias and targeting opposition leaders ahead of 2027, but EFCC denied acting for any party.

Internal rifts deepened in the coalition as key figures distanced themselves, with ADC leadership seeming to shift to acting chairman Nafiu Bala.

Source: Legit.ng