THUR OCT 15 2026-theGBJournal| The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has launched an investigation into allegations of impropriety surrounding a ₦100 million gift from the Imo State Government to its Owerri branch, bringing questions over the management of funds to the heart of Nigeria’s legal profession.
NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, announced the constitution of a three-member committee to investigate the receipt, management and disbursement of the money, following concerns raised by branch members and a requisition by 183 members for an Extraordinary General Meeting.
The committee comprises NBA General Secretary Afam Okeke, Third Vice-President Iniobong Irene Pepple and Treasurer Esther Jimoh. It is expected to submit its findings and recommendations by 30 October 2026.
The panel will also attend the branch’s extraordinary meeting scheduled for Thursday, 15 October, as the president’s representatives, to observe proceedings and support an orderly meeting.
Badejo-Okusanya said the investigation was intended to establish the facts, stressing that the decision to constitute the committee should not be interpreted as a finding of wrongdoing against any individual.
“The constitution of the committee does not amount to a finding against any person,” she said, adding that everyone whose conduct had been called into question would be given a fair opportunity to respond.
She directed that all relevant financial records be preserved and made available to facilitate a thorough examination of the transactions.
The president said the association remained committed to addressing members’ concerns through a transparent process, adding: “Accountability must go hand in hand with due process, and our response must sustain members’ confidence in the Association.”
The dispute places financial accountability within the legal profession under scrutiny, particularly over the handling of a substantial sum provided by a state government to a professional association.
The circumstances surrounding the receipt and disbursement of the ₦100 million, and the specific allegations prompting the investigation, have yet to be established publicly in the statement.
The committee’s findings are expected to clarify how the funds were managed and whether the concerns raised by members have merit.
For now, the NBA has made no finding of wrongdoing against any individual.
The outcome of the inquiry will determine whether the allegations warrant further action.
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