The League of Patriotic Lawyers has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its reported recoveries and convictions under Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

Chairman of the organisation, Abubakar Yesufu, said the anti-graft agency’s recent performance provided Nigerians with reasons to acknowledge its efforts in tackling economic and financial crimes.

Yesufu made the remarks in Lagos, where he highlighted the scale of the commission’s reported financial recoveries.

According to him, the EFCC has recovered more than N1.23 trillion in local currency and $684.47 million under the current leadership.

He described the figures as evidence that the commission could “hold its head high” in the fight against financial crimes.

The League chairman also disclosed that the EFCC had secured 10,832 convictions from nearly 15,000 cases handled by the agency.

He described the number of convictions as unprecedented, adding that he was particularly encouraged by the development as a member of the legal profession.

Yesufu said Olukoyede, whom he described as a professional colleague, had promised from the beginning of his tenure to raise standards within the commission.

However, he called for stronger action against EFCC officials found to have compromised the integrity of the agency.

His comment followed the recent dismissal of more than 40 EFCC personnel.

While acknowledging the disciplinary action, Yesufu argued that dismissal alone would not be sufficient where criminal offences had been established.

He urged authorities to prosecute officials found culpable and, where convicted, impose appropriate prison sentences.

“Kindly prosecute and jail them,” he said, arguing that accountability within the commission would help strengthen public confidence in its anti-corruption mandate.

The lawyer also raised concerns about delays in the judicial process for economic and financial crime cases.

He called on the National Assembly to establish specialised courts dedicated to the speedy determination of such cases.

According to Yesufu, dedicated courts could help reduce delays and facilitate quicker resolution of complex financial crime prosecutions.

He further urged the EFCC to maintain its focus on high-profile suspects, regardless of their political standing or connections.

The League chairman cautioned the commission against yielding to political pressure, stressing that investigations and prosecutions should be based on evidence.

He said the EFCC must preserve its independence and ensure that its anti-corruption activities remain transparent, even-handed and consistent with the rule of law.

Yesufu maintained that sustaining public confidence would require both strong enforcement and accountability within the agency itself.