Ibrahim Lamorde, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria, was buried in Abuja on Tuesday, days after his passing.
The funeral service was attended by numerous dignitaries from across Nigeria, reflecting the impact of his work and legacy.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the funeral, praised Lamorde’s commitment to integrity, justice, and accountability. “Today, we gather not only to bid farewell to a dedicated public servant but also to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of justice and integrity,” Shettima said in a statement by his spokesman Stanley Nkwocha. He added, “The fight against corruption is a sacred duty, and it is incumbent upon us to purge our institutions of any traces of graft for the sake of our nation and our future generations.”
Shettima emphasized the importance of continuing Lamorde’s legacy of integrity, saying, “The Jana’iza (funeral prayer) reminds us of the ephemeral nature of this world and the certainty of the hereafter. Let us strive to leave behind a legacy of integrity, just as Ibrahim Lamorde dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and the eradication of financial crimes.”
He also called on all Nigerians to unite against corruption, stating, “I call upon all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, to unite in this noble cause. Together, we can build a nation where corruption has no place, and the principles of the Qur’an guide our actions and decisions.”
Among those present at the funeral were Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara. Other notable attendees included the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Chief Whip of the Senate Ali Ndume, the Director General of Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Yayale Ahmed, and former Governor of Borno State Ali Sheriff.
Lamorde served as the anti-corruption czar from 2012 to 2015. He was appointed in an acting capacity as chairman of the EFCC on November 23, 2011, by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, following the removal of Farida Waziri. The Senate confirmed him as the third substantive chairman of the EFCC on February 15, 2012.
Born in Mubi, Adamawa State, on December 20, 1962, Lamorde obtained his first degree in sociology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, in 1984.
