Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, was yesterday laid to rest in Abuja, with dignitaries from across the country attending his funeral prayer at the National Mosque.

Among those who attended were Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.

The funeral, held immediately after the Zuhr prayer on Tuesday, also saw the presence of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume; Director General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed; and former Governor of Borno State, Ali Sheriff, among others.

At the National Mosque, a large congregation gathered for the funeral prayers, where the imam delivered a heartfelt message reflecting on Lamorde’s life, career, and contributions to Nigeria.

The somber event was marked by an outpouring of tributes and condolences from various quarters, with many praising Lamorde’s dedication, courage, and impact on the fight against corruption.

Vice President Shettima offered prayers for the departed soul and emphasized the principles of justice, integrity, and accountability that guided Lamorde’s life.

He stated, “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.

“As we offer our sincere prayers for the departed soul, let us also renew our resolve to walk the path of righteousness. 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.

“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.

“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.”

Lamorde’s legacy was further highlighted by other dignitaries who converged both at his home and the National mosque to bid farewell to a man remembered for his unwavering commitment to service and nation-building.

The funeral procession, which made its way through the streets of Abuja, highlighted the significant impact Lamorde had on those around him and the nation, with traffic diverted to accommodate the influx of mourners.

Lamorde, who passed away on Sunday in Egypt at the age of 61, was a seasoned police officer and a pioneering figure in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

His tenure as EFCC Chairman from 2011 to 2015 was marked by notable achievements, including the recovery of billions of naira in looted funds and the prosecution of high-profile corruption cases.

His leadership was instrumental in shaping the agency into a formidable force against corruption, earning him recognition and respect from both local and international communities. (Vanguard)

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