NBA Sets October 30 Deadline for Probe into Alleged Mismanagement of ₦100 Million Imo Government Gift

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has established a three-member investigative committee to examine allegations of financial impropriety surrounding a ₦100 million grant received by its Owerri Branch from the Imo State Government. The intervention follows growing disagreements among members over how the money was received, managed and spent, with the association's national leadership promising an investigation guided by transparency and due process.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, announced that the committee must submit its findings and recommendations by October 30. The investigation concerns the ₦100 million reportedly released to the Owerri Branch on August 24, ahead of the association's Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The committee comprises NBA General Secretary Afam Okeke, Third Vice-President Iniobong Irene Pepple and Treasurer Esther Jimoh. Its members have been directed to examine relevant financial documents, receive explanations from individuals connected with the expenditure and determine whether the funds were administered in accordance with applicable procedures.

Badejo-Okusanya emphasised that establishing the panel did not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against any individual. She said those whose actions might be questioned would have an opportunity to respond, while all relevant financial records must be preserved and made available for examination.

“Accountability must go hand in hand with due process, and our response must sustain members’ confidence in the Association,” the NBA president stated.

The committee was also assigned to attend an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Owerri Branch scheduled for Thursday at 2pm. Its members were expected to represent the national president, observe proceedings and support an orderly consideration of the controversy.

The meeting followed a formal request by 183 members of the branch who demanded an opportunity to discuss the financial transactions. Their intervention reflected dissatisfaction with explanations previously provided concerning the expenditure and the approval process.

The controversy has centred on the leadership of the Owerri Branch, headed by Dr Mazi Udegbulem. Some members have accused the chairman of failing to provide adequate information about the grant and questioned whether money intended to support conference participants was properly utilised.

Former branch secretary Chinedu Agu publicly challenged the handling of the funds, alleging that members were not sufficiently informed when the money was received. He claimed that disagreements intensified after questions arose about the expenditure.

According to Agu, the grant was intended to benefit lawyers attending the NBA conference in Port Harcourt. He argued that the branch leadership should have disclosed its receipt and explained how the allocation would be distributed or applied.

Agu also alleged that some members were removed from the branch's WhatsApp communication platform after questioning the transactions. These claims remain contested and have not been established by the national investigative committee.

The dispute became more pronounced following a branch meeting held on September 26, when expenditure totalling approximately ₦81.91 million was reportedly disclosed. Members subsequently sought clarification about the remaining balance and supporting documentation.

Questions raised included whether the reported expenditure had received appropriate approval, whether projects were completed as described and whether invoices, bank statements and payment records supported the transactions.

Among the expenditures identified were improvements to the Owerri Bar Centre, including air-conditioning equipment, chairs, sound facilities and other infrastructure. Conference logistics, repairs to the branch's vehicle and health insurance registration for members were also mentioned.

Udegbulem has denied allegations of misappropriation, maintaining that the money entered the branch's official bank account and was used for legitimate organisational purposes.

He said expenditure covered conference-related responsibilities and projects considered by the branch executive committee. According to his explanation, more than 300 members were also enrolled in a health insurance arrangement.

The chairman rejected suggestions that he personally diverted the grant and expressed willingness to undergo a comprehensive forensic examination of the financial transactions.

In a response dated October 5 to a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Udegbulem denied diverting, converting or personally using any portion of the ₦100 million.

He also requested scrutiny of the branch's financial records extending beyond his administration, arguing that a wider examination would provide a fuller account of its financial management.

Udegbulem assumed office on June 27, 2026. His defence has therefore focused on the expenditure authorised during his leadership and the availability of documents supporting the transactions.

The allegations prompted Agu to petition the EFCC, seeking an independent examination of the receipt and utilisation of the grant. The petition raised concerns about financial documentation, expenditure approvals and the movement of money through branch accounts.

Submission of a petition does not establish criminal liability, and no finding of personal diversion has been confirmed in the information presently available.

Before the national intervention, the Owerri Branch had established a separate five-member committee chaired by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Soronnadi Njoku. That committee was tasked with examining expenditure on projects and obtaining explanations from those involved.

Its membership also included Okwara Adaugo as secretary, alongside Goodluck Nwelue, K. M. Onyeama and Onwukaike Paschal.

The branch-level investigation was announced on September 28 following resolutions reached at its September 26 general meeting. However, disagreements persisted over the legitimacy of the process and the independence of the proposed examination.

The dispute subsequently extended to efforts by dissatisfied members to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting. An earlier meeting scheduled for October 10 could not proceed after members reportedly encountered a locked entrance at the premises housing the Bar Centre.

Reports indicated that police officers were present around the location, while access restrictions prevented the planned gathering. Members later rescheduled the meeting for October 15.

The controversy has also attracted attention from legal practitioners outside the branch, including human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu, who expressed concern about attempts to prevent members from discussing the financial dispute.

Odinkalu urged respect for internal accountability procedures and cautioned against unnecessary interference with the association's deliberations. His intervention represented his assessment of the dispute rather than a judicial determination.

The ₦100 million allocation reportedly formed part of a wider ₦350 million intervention distributed among six NBA branches in Imo State. Under the reported arrangement, Owerri received ₦100 million while five other branches received ₦50 million each.

The disagreement has therefore raised broader questions about the documentation, approval and oversight of financial contributions received by professional associations from government institutions.

The NBA national leadership's investigation is expected to examine the available records without treating allegations as established facts. Its recommendations may determine whether additional administrative steps are necessary.

For members seeking explanations, the October 30 deadline provides a timetable for the national association's response. For those accused, the process offers an opportunity to present supporting documents and challenge disputed claims.

The outcome remains uncertain, and no conclusion about financial misconduct can properly be drawn before the committee completes its assignment.

The NBA president has maintained that accountability and procedural fairness must guide the investigation as the association seeks to resolve the disagreement and restore confidence among members of its Owerri Branch.

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