NBA Investigates How Owerri Lawyers Used N100m Gift From Imo Government

(NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya. Photo by FB/ Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya)
NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya SAN has set up a three-member committee to investigate claims of wrongdoing in how the N100 million gift from the Imo State Government to the NBA Owerri Branch was received, managed and spent.

The move follows concerns from branch members and a request by 183 of them for an Extraordinary General Meeting.

In a statement on Thursday on her official handle, she said the funds need a clear account and a fair review.

The committee has three members: NBA General Secretary Afam Okeke, Third Vice-President Iniobong Irene Pepple, and Treasurer Esther Jimoh.

The committee will check financial records, hear from those involved and report back by October 30, 2026.

The EGM set for Thursday, October 15, at 2pm will go ahead, with committee members attending as her representatives to keep order and record attendance.

She stressed that forming the panel does not mean anyone is guilty.

Anyone whose conduct is questioned will get a chance to respond, and all financial records must be preserved.

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. The committee comprises the NBA General Secretary, Afam Okeke; Third Vice-President, Iniobong Irene Pepple; and Treasurer, Esther Jimoh. 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. As President of the Nigerian Bar Association, I remain committed to ensuring that concerns raised by members are addressed through a fair, transparent and orderly process. Accountability must go hand in hand with due process, and our response must sustain members’ confidence in the Association. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb President, Nigerian Bar Association.

— Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb (@MrsBBold) October 15, 2026