CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED STUDIES IN INTERNATIONAL LAW AND FRAUD INVESTIGATION

The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) and the International Law Association, Nigerian Branch (ILA Nigeria) warmly welcome you to the Advanced Certificate in International Law and Fraud Investigation Course. 

CIFCFIN was established in 2022, as Nigerian’s apex Institution established to regulate and promote forensic and fraud investigation practices in Nigeria. Chartered by the CIFCIN Establishment Act, 2022 to provide a formidable platform for training, supervision and regulation of the professional practice of forensics and fraud investigation in all ramifications. The ILA was established in 1873, with the objective and mandate to promote “the study, clarification and development of international law, both public and private, and the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law.” 

Given the importance of international law to national development, it is essential for key stakeholders in government, private practice, academia, and students to understand key multilateral agreements that, through their effective implementation, can accelerate fraud detection and corruption prevention, especially in critical economic sectors such as mining, oil and gas, banking, finance and alternative dispute resolution amongst others.

In view of the foregoing, maximizing Nigeria’s strong potential and growing influence in international law will require a new generation of professionals with expertise in international law and the art of preventing illicit financial flows, fraud and corruption at all levels. The ultimate objective of this course is to expose participants to the specialised knowledge and skillsets required in the practice of fraud investigation and detection at national and international levels. 

The course is designed to provide an in-depth examination of the core sources and principles of international law, the practical challenges that limit their effective design and implementation especially in the context of fraud investigation and prevention; as well as innovative approaches and skillsets required to negotiate win-win international instruments in an increasingly globalized world. The course will also address hot topics and trends that are particularly important for Nigeria, including anti-money laundering, proceeds of crime management, illicit financial flows and inter-agency synergy. 

Structure 

The two-day training program is composed of three 4-hour sessions and free registration and participation at the ILA International Law Conference on illicit financial flows. Day 1 will focus on the legal frameworks and hot topics in international law and fraud detection. Day 2 will include conference participation and networking to expand participant’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real life context. 

• Module 1 – Foundations: Nature and Sources of International Law

• Module 2 – Public International Law (hot topics in: International Law on Forensics and Fraud Investigation)

• Module 3 – Fundamentals of Forensics and Fraud Investigation 

• Module 4 – Practical exercise on Fraud Investigation

• Module 5- International Conference 

Format 

The course is meant to strike a balance between theory and practice. It will systematically use primary sources (most prominently international treaties and arbitral decisions) and introduce to participants the main electronic tools to research in the field of international law. Participants are expected to take part in the discussion and in the final practical exercise. 

Participants 

The course is open to anyone interested in international law, especially national and international civil servants, diplomats, academics, lawyers, judges, full time students; and non-lawyer experts from public, commercial, industrial and financial spheres who intend to deepen their knowledge on international law and diplomacy.