NBA probes Imo branch over alleged ‘mismanagement’ of N100m govt gift

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on Thursday announced that it has constituted a three-man panel to investigate allegations of financial impropriety following a N100 million gift from the Imo State Government to the Owerri branch.

NBA said the panel would investigate allegations concerning the receipt, management and disbursement of the N100 million gift, noting that the process would be orderly and transparent.

President of NBA, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, who set up the panel, explained that probing the branch became imperative following concerns raised by members.

Members of the Owerri branch had dragged the chairman and other members of the executive before the national leadership after they alleged that they couldn’t account for how the N100 million was expended.

The NBA President listed the NBA General Secretary, Afam Okeke, Third Vice-President, Iniobong Irene Pepple and Treasurer, Esther Jimoh, as members of the probe panel.

“I have constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations of impropriety concerning the receipt, management and disbursement of the N100 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,” Mrs Badejo-Okusanya said.

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.

She added, “The committee will attend the Extraordinary General Meeting 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,” she added.