The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has launched an investigation into allegations of impropriety surrounding the receipt, management and disbursement of a ₦100 million gift from the Imo State Government to its Owerri branch, following complaints by members and a demand for an Extraordinary General Meeting.
NBA President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, announced the constitution of a three-member investigative committee in a statement published on her X handle on Thursday.
The move followed letters dated October 13 and 14 concerning the controversy and a requisition signed by 183 members of the Owerri branch seeking an Extraordinary General Meeting to address the matter.
The committee comprises the NBA General Secretary, Afam Okeke; Third Vice-President, Iniobong Irene Pepple; and Treasurer, Esther Jimoh.
According to the NBA president, the committee will examine relevant financial records, receive representations from concerned parties and submit its findings and recommendations no later than October 30, 2026.
Badejo-Okusanya said the investigation was necessary to establish the facts surrounding the controversial funds and ensure that members’ concerns were addressed through an orderly and transparent process.
She said the association would not prejudge any individual or assume wrongdoing before the investigation was concluded.
“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 stated.
The NBA president also confirmed that the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at 2pm would proceed as planned, despite the decision to institute the investigation.
She said members of the committee would attend the meeting as her representatives to observe proceedings, ensure that a signed attendance register was maintained and provide necessary directions to preserve order.
Badejo-Okusanya further directed the Owerri branch chairman to facilitate the committee’s access to the meeting venue and cooperate fully with its members.
She emphasised that the investigation was intended to establish the facts surrounding the receipt and handling of the ₦100 million gift, while ensuring that all parties were treated fairly.
The controversy has placed the management of the public funds received by the NBA branch under scrutiny, with the association’s leadership seeking to resolve the dispute through an investigation and the branch’s internal democratic process.
Badejo-Okusanya reiterated that accountability must be balanced with due process, saying the association’s response should preserve members’ confidence in its leadership.
“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 said.
The committee’s findings are expected by October 30, 2026.
