The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations of impropriety surrounding the receipt, management and disbursement of a ₦100 million gift from the Imo State Government to its Owerri Branch, following concerns raised by members and a request for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
Key Highlights
- The NBA has established a three-member committee to investigate the ₦100 million gift to its Owerri Branch.
- NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, announced the investigation.
- The panel comprises General Secretary Afam Okeke, Third Vice-President Iniobong Irene Pepple and Treasurer Esther Jimoh.
- A total of 183 members reportedly requested an Extraordinary General Meeting over the controversy.
- The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations by October 30, 2026.
- The Extraordinary General Meeting is scheduled for October 15 at 2 p.m.
- The NBA president said the investigation does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing and that affected individuals would have an opportunity to respond.
NBA Constitutes Panel to Investigate ₦100m Imo Gift
NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya disclosed the development in a statement published on her X handle on Thursday, following concerns raised by members of the Owerri Branch over the handling of the ₦100 million gift.
She said she had received letters dated October 13 and 14 concerning the controversy and the request for an Extraordinary General Meeting.
Badejo-Okusanya stressed the importance of transparency and a fair process, saying members should be able to obtain clarification about the funds and have their concerns addressed through an orderly procedure.
The committee is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the gift and establish the facts concerning its receipt, management and disbursement.
Meet the Three-Member NBA Investigation Committee
The NBA president appointed the following officials to investigate the matter:
- Afam Okeke — NBA General Secretary
- Iniobong Irene Pepple — NBA Third Vice-President
- Esther Jimoh — NBA Treasurer
According to Badejo-Okusanya, the committee will review relevant financial records, receive submissions from concerned parties and present its findings and recommendations to her by October 30, 2026.
The investigation is expected to provide a clearer account of how the funds were received and managed, while giving individuals whose conduct may be questioned an opportunity to respond.
NBA Confirms October 15 Extraordinary General Meeting
Despite setting up the investigation panel, Badejo-Okusanya confirmed that the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. would proceed as planned.
The committee members are expected to attend the meeting as representatives of the NBA president. Their responsibilities will include observing the proceedings, ensuring that a signed attendance register is maintained and providing directions where necessary to preserve order.
Badejo-Okusanya also urged the Owerri Branch chairman to grant the committee access to the meeting venue and ensure full cooperation with the investigation.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for members to raise concerns and seek clarification over the controversial gift.
NBA Promises Fair Hearing for Those Involved
The NBA president emphasised that the establishment of the committee should not be interpreted as a determination that any individual had committed wrongdoing.
She said anyone whose conduct comes under scrutiny would be given an opportunity to respond to questions or allegations raised during the investigation.
“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 said.
The directive places emphasis on preserving financial documentation and ensuring that the committee has access to the information required to conduct its review.
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Investigation Aims to Restore Members’ Confidence
Badejo-Okusanya reaffirmed her commitment to resolving the controversy through due process, transparency and accountability, in line with the governance standards of the Nigerian Bar Association.
She said the NBA’s response must address members’ concerns while maintaining confidence in the association’s leadership and internal governance.
The investigation will seek to establish the facts surrounding the ₦100 million gift and determine whether the receipt, management and disbursement of the funds complied with the relevant procedures.
Until the committee completes its work and presents its findings, the allegations remain matters under investigation and should not be treated as established wrongdoing.
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