The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 24 for a hearing in a suit filed by the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) against the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1559/2026, challenges ICAN's authority to train and issue certificates to forensic professionals. CIFCFIN argues that ICAN's actions are outside its mandate, citing the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45, 2022.
CIFCFIN, through its counsel Shaibu Aruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), claims that ICAN's certification programme for forensic accountants, leading to the award of Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN), is unlawful. The institute argues that this programme could confuse the general public and is beyond ICAN's powers. Mohammed Arafat, Head of Legal and Corporate Services at CIFCFIN, filed a supporting affidavit, stating that ICAN's invitation to applicants from various fields to register for the programme is outside its mandate.
ICAN had invited applicants from fields such as chartered accountants, compliance managers, bankers, investment analysts, auditors, and anti-corruption agencies staff to register for the seven-day professional certification programme. CIFCFIN is seeking an order to set aside and nullify the award of the CFAN certificate or any other qualification or certificate in the field of forensics in Nigeria by ICAN. The institute also wants ICAN to withdraw, retract, or cease any publication or representation asserting its power to certify or license forensic professionals.
CIFCFIN is further seeking a perpetual injunction restraining ICAN and its council from issuing, advertising, or recognizing the CFAN qualification or any similar title. The institute also seeks a declaration that ICAN cannot offer a certification programme culminating in the award of CFAN, based on the provisions of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45, 2022.
The matter, initially scheduled for mention on Tuesday, was adjourned to enable parties to appear properly before the court. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik will preside over the case. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the case has garnered significant attention due to the potential implications for forensic professionals in Nigeria.
The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45, 2022, establishes CIFCFIN as the body responsible for certifying forensic professionals in Nigeria. The Act outlines the institute's powers and functions, including the issuance of certifications to qualified individuals. CIFCFIN's lawsuit against ICAN seeks to uphold the provisions of the Act and prevent ICAN from overstepping its authority.
The outcome of this case may have significant implications for the regulation of forensic professionals in Nigeria. If CIFCFIN succeeds in its lawsuit, ICAN may be required to cease its certification programme for forensic accountants. Conversely, if ICAN's powers are upheld, it may be able to continue offering its certification programme, potentially leading to a turf battle between the two institutes.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja will hear CIFCFIN's suit against ICAN on November 24.
- CIFCFIN challenges ICAN's authority to train and issue certificates to forensic professionals.
- The case may have significant implications for the regulation of forensic professionals in Nigeria.
