NBA Probes ₦100m Imo Govt Gift to Owerri Branch

• The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has initiated an investigation into the ₦100 million gift from the Imo State Government to its Owerri Branch.
• NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, formed a three-member committee to probe allegations of financial impropriety.
• The investigation was prompted by concerns from Owerri branch members and a requisition for an Extraordinary General Meeting by 183 members.
• The committee, comprising senior NBA officials, must submit its findings and recommendations by October 30, 2026.
• The NBA President emphasized that the inquiry is a fact-finding mission, not a pre-judgment, and stressed the importance of due process and transparency.

Accountability must go hand in hand with due process, and our response must sustain members’ confidence in the Association.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has launched a formal inquiry into the handling of a significant ₦100 million donation from the Imo State Government to its Owerri Branch. This decisive action by NBA President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, comes in response to serious allegations of impropriety surrounding the receipt, management, and subsequent disbursement of these funds. The probe aims to address growing concerns among members of the Owerri branch regarding financial transparency and accountability.

The impetus for this investigation stemmed directly from a formal requisition submitted by 183 members of the Owerri Branch, who called for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to discuss the matter. President Badejo-Okusanya acknowledged receiving official communications on October 13 and 14, 2026, detailing the unfolding situation within the branch and the proposed EGM. She underscored the necessity for a thorough and impartial examination of the concerns related to the Nigerian Bar Association Owerri funds, emphasizing that members are entitled to pose questions and receive clear answers within an environment conducive to orderly discussion. This internal scrutiny highlights the NBA's commitment to ensuring diligent fund management and ethical conduct across its constituent bodies, as the NBA probes Imo govt gift Owerri branch.

To facilitate this critical Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya investigation, President Badejo-Okusanya established a three-member committee, comprising senior officials of the national body. The committee includes Afam Okeke, the NBA General Secretary; Iniobong Pepple, the Third Vice-President; and Esther Jimoh, the Treasurer. This team has been tasked with a comprehensive review, which involves scrutinizing all relevant financial records pertaining to the ₦100m Imo State government gift probe.

Beyond document review, the committee is mandated to solicit and receive representations from all concerned parties involved in the matter. Their findings and recommendations are to be submitted directly to the NBA President by October 30, 2026. Furthermore, the Extraordinary General Meeting, previously scheduled for 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, was confirmed to proceed as planned. The committee members will attend this meeting as the President's representatives, with specific instructions to observe proceedings, ensure a signed attendance register is maintained, and provide necessary guidance to uphold order. The branch chairman has been explicitly directed to grant the committee full access to the meeting venue and offer complete cooperation throughout their inquiry, reinforcing the association's dedication to NBA Owerri branch accountability.

President Badejo-Okusanya has firmly reiterated her commitment to a process that is fair, transparent, and orderly, ensuring that all concerns raised by members are addressed with the utmost integrity. She clarified that the formation of the investigative committee does not, in itself, constitute a finding of wrongdoing against any individual. Instead, its primary objective is to meticulously establish the facts surrounding the controversy and ensure that members' grievances are resolved through established due process. This approach is crucial for maintaining confidence in the Nigerian Bar Association's internal mechanisms.

A cornerstone of this investigation is the guarantee that any individual whose conduct is called into question will be afforded a fair opportunity to respond to allegations. To ensure a thorough examination, the President has mandated the preservation and availability of all relevant financial records. This commitment to rigorous financial accountability and due process serves as a vital reminder for all legal entities and practitioners of the high standards expected in managing funds. The NBA's proactive stance in probing these NBA financial mismanagement allegations demonstrates its dedication to upholding ethical standards and transparency within its own structures, setting an example for the broader legal profession. Accountability must go hand in hand with due process, and our response must sustain members’ confidence in the Association.

Lawyers and compliance officers should observe this internal NBA investigation as a demonstration of the association's commitment to financial accountability and due process within its own structures. This reinforces the high standards of transparency and diligent fund management expected from all legal entities and practitioners, serving as a reminder of potential scrutiny for any impropriety.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers.