NBA Sets Up Probe Panel Over ₦100m Imo Government Gift

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has launched an investigation into allegations of impropriety surrounding the receipt, administration and disbursement of a ₦100 million reward from the Imo State Government to its Owerri department, following complaints by members and a requirement for an Extraordinary General Meeting.

NBA President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, introduced the structure of a three-member investigative committee in an announcement revealed on her X deal with on Thursday.

The transfer adopted letters dated October 13 and 14 in regards to the controversy and a requisition signed by 183 members of the Owerri department in search of an Extraordinary General Meeting to handle the matter.

The committee contains the NBA General Secretary, Afam Okeke; Third Vice-President, Iniobong Irene Pepple; and Treasurer, Esther Jimoh.

According to the NBA president, the committee will study related monetary information, obtain representations from involved events and submit its findings and suggestions no later than October 30, 2026.

Badejo-Okusanya stated the investigation was crucial to determine the details surrounding the controversial funds and be certain that members’ issues had been addressed by means of an orderly and clear course of.

She stated the affiliation wouldn’t prejudge any particular person or assume wrongdoing earlier than the investigation was concluded.

“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 NBA president additionally confirmed that the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at 2pm would proceed as deliberate, regardless of the choice to institute the investigation.

She stated members of the committee would attend the assembly as her representatives to watch proceedings, be certain that a signed attendance register was maintained and supply crucial instructions to protect order.

Badejo-Okusanya additional directed the Owerri department chairman to facilitate the committee’s entry to the assembly venue and cooperate absolutely with its members.

She emphasised that the investigation was supposed to determine the details surrounding the receipt and dealing with of the ₦100 million reward, whereas guaranteeing that each one events had been handled pretty.

The controversy has positioned the administration of the general public funds acquired by the NBA department below scrutiny, with the affiliation’s management in search of to resolve the dispute by means of an investigation and the department’s inside democratic course of.

Badejo-Okusanya reiterated that accountability have to be balanced with due course of, saying the affiliation’s response ought to protect members’ confidence in its management.

“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,” she stated.

The committee’s findings are anticipated by October 30, 2026.