NBA PROBES ALLEGED MISMANAGEMENT OF N100M IMO GOVT GIFT TO OWERRI BRANCH
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations of impropriety in the receipt, management and disbursement of a ₦100m gift from the Imo State Government to the NBA Owerri Branch.
The decision followed concerns raised by branch members and a requisition signed by 183 members seeking an Extraordinary General Meeting to discuss the matter.
In a statement posted on her X handle on Thursday, Badejo-Okusanya acknowledged receipt of letters dated October 13 and 14 concerning the situation in the branch and the proposed meeting.
She said the concerns surrounding the funds required a clear account and fair examination, stressing that members should be allowed to ask questions and receive answers in an atmosphere conducive to orderly discussion.
The NBA president named the General Secretary, Afam Okeke; Third Vice-President, Iniobong Irene Pepple; and Treasurer, Esther Jimoh, as members of the committee.
“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.
“The committee comprises the NBA General Secretary, Afam Okeke; Third Vice-President, Iniobong Irene Pepple; and Treasurer, Esther Jimoh,” the statement read.
According to Badejo-Okusanya, the committee is expected to examine relevant financial records, receive representations from concerned parties, and submit its findings and recommendations to her no later than October 30, 2026.
She also confirmed that the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 2 pm would proceed as planned.
The committee members would attend the meeting as her representatives to observe proceedings, ensure that a signed attendance register was taken, and provide necessary directions to maintain order, she said.
In a letter, the NBA president urged the branch chairman to facilitate the committee’s access to the venue and extend full cooperation to its members.
She stressed that the investigation was aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the controversy and addressing members’ concerns through due process.
Badejo-Okusanya further clarified that the constitution of the committee did not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against any individual.
“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,” she said.
Reaffirming her commitment to accountability and due process, the NBA president said the association would handle the concerns raised by members fairly and transparently.
“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,” the statement added.
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