‘He was brain box behind EFCC structures’ — Wahab Shittu mourns Lamorde

Wahab Shittu, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has mourned the passing of Ibrahim Lamorde, ex-chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Lamorde died early Sunday morning in Cairo, Egypt, three days after undergoing a surgery. He was EFCC chairman between 2012 and 2015.

In a tribute, Shittu said Lamorde was among the EFCC chairpersons “whose activities” made the anti-graft agency the “dreaded organisation for the corrupt and saboteurs of the nation’s economy”.

Shittu said as the then director of operations under Nuhu Ribadu, Lamorde “quintessentially” handled and coordinated the field operations of the commission.

“He was the tried, tested and trusted ally of Ribadu, who in turn relied on Magu of the Economic Governance unit for effective investigations of the earliest high-profile cases of corruption in that era,” Shittu said.

“The departed was the ‘engine box’ who spoke sparingly but was polite, effective and efficient. Warm, unassuming and accessible, Lamorde worked seamlessly with Ribadu as if both were Siamese twins.

“The early structures and personnel of the EFCC were put in place by himself and a few of the earliest pioneer staff of the commission under the leadership of the irrepressible Nuhu Ribadu.

“The agency’s image soared and the fear of EFCC was the beginning of wisdom.

“When Nuhu Ribadu was eased out in controversial circumstances, Ibrahim Lamorde never betrayed the cause.

“He remained the silent investigation and intelligence officer committed to the war against corruption.

“The departed was to return to EFCC after the inspiring stint of Madam Farida Waziri as EFCC chair. He was brought back to the agency and appointed chair by President Jonathan’s administration.

“Again, he served diligently and effectively. The Buhari Administration opted for Magu and Ibrahim Lamorde was redeployed back to the police where he served in the intelligence units and was serially promoted first as AIG and later to the  position of a Deputy inspector General before his dignified exit from service.”

Shittu said his last encounter with the deceased was at his private residence in Abuja. 

He said Lamorde was “quite receptive and warm and seemed to be enjoying his retirement peacefully”.

“During the encounter, we exchanged banters. He was without airs as usual, and actually walked me to the door as I made my way out after about one-hour robust conversation in his company,” Shittu said.

“Unknown to me, this was to be my last encounter with this fine intelligence officer who served his country diligently and with uncommon patriotism.”

The senior advocate said Lamorde was kind and gentle, courteous, accessible and accommodating.

“Adieu, Mallam Ibrahim Lamorde, former chair of EFCC and a damn brilliant police officer. Farewell, an officer and a Gentleman. He will be sorely missed,” he added.