NBA Probes Alleged Mismanagement Of N100m By Owerri Branch

The president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), has set up a three-member committee to investigate allegations of impropriety in the receipt, management and disbursement of N100 million donation by the Owerri branch of the NBA.

The NBA president made the disclosure on yesterday via her X handle, acknowledging receipt of letters dated October 13 and 14 regarding the developing situation in the branch and the proposed meeting with its members.

The three-member committee comprises the NBA general secretary, Afam Okeke; third vice-president, Iniobong Pepple and treasurer, Esther Jimoh.
About 183 members of the NBA Owerri branch had written to the president, expressing concerns over the management of funds during an Extraordinary General Meeting on the matter.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State donated N350 million to the seven NBA branches in the state to support their attendance at the annual conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Orlu, Mbaise, Okigwe, Oru-Oguta, and Mbano-Etiti branches had received N50 million each for the conference, which has been disbursed, while the Owerri branch executives received N100 million but were alleged to have failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for how the funds were disbursed.

According to the NBA president, the committee will attend the general meeting of the branch, examine relevant financial records, receive representations from concerned parties and submit its findings and recommendations to her no later than 30 October 2026.

The NBA President stated that the Extraordinary General Meeting of the branch, scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 2 pm, will be held as planned.

Further, she said the committee members would attend the meeting as her representatives to observe proceedings, ensure that a signed attendance register is taken, and give necessary directions to maintain order.

According to her, the investigation team is expected to establish the facts surrounding the ₦100 million and ensure that members’ concerns are addressed through due process, but she stated that the committee’s setup does not yet amount to establishing wrongdoing against any individual.

The statement read, “This intervention follows concerns raised by members of the Branch and a requisition by 183 members for an Extraordinary General Meeting. The committee will examine relevant financial records, receive representations from those concerned, and submit its findings and recommendations to me no later than 30 October 2026.

“The committee will attend the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 2:00 p.m. as my representatives, to observe proceedings and support an orderly meeting.

“It is important to emphasise that the constitution of the committee does not amount to a finding against any person. 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”.

Further, the NBA President said she was committed to ensuring that accountability and due process are upheld in responding to the complaints of the 183 Owerri branch members.

Fiery lawyer and former General Secretary of the Owerri branch, Chinedu Agu, had accused the branch leadership of non-disclosure and misappropriation of funds that were allegedly intended to be shared among members who attended the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.

Further, Agu alleged that the branch Chairman concealed receipt of the money and that, when members questioned the funds on WhatsApp, the Chairman deleted the posts and removed members from the group.

Thereafter, he petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the management of the funds, even as members petitioned the NBA President to look into the matter.

Meanwhile, the branch is expected to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting today, with representatives of the association President in attendance.