Spread the word
The national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Thursday constituted a three-man panel to investigate allegations of impropriety of ₦100 million gift from the Imo State Government to the NBA Owerri Branch.
The panel, according to the body, would investigate allegations concerning the receipt, management, and disbursement of the ₦100 gift, assuring orderly and transparent process.
The NBA General Secretary, Afam Okeke; Third Vice-President Iniobong Irene Pepple; and Treasurer Esther Jimoh are members of the probe panel.
While justifying the NBA resolve in setting up the panel, the President of NBA, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), noted that probing the branch became imperative following concerns raised by members of the branch.
The Owerri branch of the legal body had dragged their chairman and other members of the executive before the national leadership after they alleged they couldn’t give an account of how N100m was expended.
The NBA President said: “I have constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations of impropriety concerning the receipt, management, and disbursement of the ₦100 million gift from the Imo State Government to the NBA Owerri Branch.
“This intervention follows concerns raised by members of the Branch and a requisition by 183 members for an Extraordinary General Meeting.”
She disclosed that the panel would examine financial records of the branch, receive representations from those concerned, and submit its findings and recommendations to her office by or before 30th October 2026.
“The committee will attend the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 2:00 p.m. as my representatives, to observe proceedings and support an orderly meeting.
“It is important to emphasise that the constitution of the committee does not amount to a finding against any person.
“Everyone whose conduct is called into question will be given a fair opportunity to respond. All relevant financial records must be preserved and made available to facilitate a thorough examination.
“As President of the Nigerian Bar Association, I remain committed to ensuring that concerns raised by members are addressed through a fair, transparent, and orderly process.
“Accountability must go hand in hand with due process, and our response must sustain members’ confidence in the Association.” Badejo-Okunsanya said.
Spread the word