NBA President Orders Probe into ₦100m Imo Govt Fund for Owerri Branch

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has established a three-member panel to investigate allegations of financial misconduct concerning a ₦100 million donation from the Imo State Government to the NBA Owerri Branch. This decision follows significant concerns raised by members of the branch, culminating in a formal request from 183 members for an Extraordinary General Meeting to address the issue.

In a statement released on her X handle on Thursday, Badejo-Okusanya confirmed receiving letters dated October 13 and 14, which highlighted the emerging situation within the branch and the planned meeting. She emphasized that the questions surrounding the receipt and spending of these funds necessitate a transparent account and a thorough, impartial review. The NBA President stressed the importance of allowing members to pose questions and receive answers in an environment conducive to orderly discussion.

The newly formed committee includes NBA General Secretary, Afam Okeke; Third Vice-President, Iniobong Pepple; and Treasurer, Esther Jimoh. Badejo-Okusanya stated, “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.”

She further clarified that the committee’s mandate involves scrutinizing relevant financial documents, hearing submissions from all involved parties, and submitting its findings and recommendations to her by October 30, 2026. Badejo-Okusanya confirmed that the Extraordinary General Meeting, scheduled for 2 pm on Thursday, October 15, 2026, would proceed as planned. She added that the committee members would attend this meeting as her representatives to observe proceedings, ensure an attendance register is signed, and provide necessary guidance to maintain order.

In her communication, the NBA President urged the Owerri branch chairman to facilitate the committee’s access to the meeting venue and extend full cooperation. She reiterated that the investigation aims to ascertain the facts surrounding the controversy and ensure that members' concerns are addressed through due process. Badejo-Okusanya also made it clear that the formation of the committee does not imply 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 affirmed. Badejo-Okusanya concluded by reaffirming her unwavering commitment to ensuring that members' concerns are handled through a fair, transparent, and orderly process. She added, “Accountability must go hand in hand with due process, and our response must sustain members’ confidence in the Association.”