NBA President Wades into Owerri Branch Crisis, Sets Up Committee to Investigate N100 Million Gift Misappropriation Allegations
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo Okunsanya, SAN, FCIArb, has 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.
The President’s intervention follows concerns raised by members of the Branch and a requisition by 183 members for an Extraordinary General Meeting to address questions surrounding the funds. The committee is mandated to examine relevant financial records, receive representations from those concerned and submit its findings and recommendations to the NBA President no later than 30 October 2026.
As part of its assignment, the committee will attend the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 2026, at 2:00 p.m., as the President’s representatives, to observe proceedings and support an orderly meeting. She emphasised that the constitution of the committee does not amount to a finding against any person. All individuals whose conduct may be called into question will be given a fair opportunity to respond. Relevant financial records, including receipts, bank statements, expenditure schedules, approvals and payment vouchers, are to be made available to the committee, with all records relating to the gift preserved.
The process is intended to ensure that the concerns raised receive a fair and thorough examination, that members have an opportunity to obtain answers, and that the confidence of members in the Branch is sustained.
