The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected reports claiming that one of its lawyers admitted acting under pressure while handling a case involving legal practitioner, Dr. Ted Iseghoi-Edwards.
The Commission described the reports as false, mischievous and a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the reaction of its counsel, Larry Peters Aso, after the judgment delivered by Justice Suleiman Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
The court had reportedly ruled in favour of Iseghoi-Edwards in a fundamental rights enforcement suit linked to allegations of fraud over services rendered to Nigeria’s 774 local government councils.
According to the EFCC, its lawyer never stated that a 2024 investigation report on the matter was prepared under pressure from higher authorities.
The Commission also denied reports that Aso said the report was influenced after Iseghoi-Edwards allegedly assigned promissory notes to third parties in the United States who threatened to sue the Federal Government.
It insisted that the statements attributed to its counsel were completely false and intended to create the impression that external forces influenced the Commission’s investigation.
The EFCC said that after the judgment, its lawyer merely thanked the judge for hearing the case and informed the court that the Commission would obtain the Certified True Copy of the judgment.
According to the anti-graft agency, Aso also said the judgment would be studied before the Commission decides on the next legal steps.
The Commission stressed that its counsel made no comments beyond that position in court.
It described reports suggesting otherwise as “totally mischievous and deliberate character assassination.”
The EFCC said anyone in doubt could verify the official court proceedings of October 20, 2026, when the judgment was delivered.
The Commission maintained that there was no external pressure or improper influence in the handling of the matter.
It urged journalists and media organisations to report court proceedings accurately and objectively, saying responsible reporting is essential to the administration of justice.
The EFCC added that accurate reporting would help protect the integrity of judicial proceedings and prevent the spread of misleading information.
