‘He investigated cases painstakingly’ — Adoke pays tribute to ex-EFCC chair Lamorde

Mohammed Adoke, former attorney-general of the federation, says Ibrahim Lamorde, ex-chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was a rare gem.

In a tribute, Adoke described Lamorde as a humble officer who never got carried away by the allure of power.

Lamorde died on May 26 in Cairo, Egypt, following complications from a surgery.

He served as EFCC chairman from 2012 to 2015.

The former attorney-general said Lamorde’s demise was shocking, adding that he was a “dutiful, unassuming and gentlemanly officer of the Nigerian Police Force”.

“My first encounter with DIG Lamorde was in 2007, when I was representing a high-profile political figure from the south-south geopolitical zone of the country. He was courteous and pleasant and treated my client with dignity,” Adoke said.

“Our paths were to cross again in November 2011 when President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, appointed him as the Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while I was serving as the honourable attorney general of the federation and minister of justice.

“In all my interactions with him and his official capacity as chairman of the EFCC, I found Ibrahim Lamorde to be passionate and dutiful in the discharge of his duties.

“Under him, the EFCC’s operations were professional, cases were painstakingly investigated, and the rights of persons under investigation were duly respected as they were treated with respect and the dignity they deserved.

“Mr Ibrahim Lamorde would, in his characteristic candour, proffer opinion based on facts before him and independently discharge his duties in accordance with the dictates of his conscience and the best traditions of reputable investigating authorities.

“Despite his rank and exalted position, Ibrahim Lamorde was never carried away with the allure of power. He was humble yet firm in his convictions.

“I recall vividly his discussions with me regarding his modus operandi as a top cop and chairman of the EFCC. He stated that ‘public officers must hold themselves accountable to their superiors, the society and most importantly, God’.

“This was the barometer against which all his official actions and conduct were measured. He often reiterated his resolve not to pander to the wishes of people in authority, as he felt bound to do right at all times and circumstances.

“Given my experiences with those who have held the office of EFCC chairman before and after him, I am moved to state boldly that he was a rare gem.

“As we mourn his passing to the great beyond, I am convinced that his good works will speak for him before his creator. May Allah console his family and grant him Ajannah Firduarsi.”