By Dennis Okechukwu
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former official convicted of stealing over N2 billion in pension funds, as “Grand Patron” of the NBA Garki Branch. The announcement, allegedly made by the Branch Chairman, Anthony Bamidele Ojo, has drawn sharp criticism for undermining the integrity of the legal profession and the nation’s fight against corruption.
In a statement issued by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Bar described the purported appointment as a “mockery of the legal profession” and a direct affront to the Government’s anti-corruption efforts. The statement also criticized the Branch Chairman for publicly commenting on Mr. Maina’s appeal, which is reportedly pending at the Supreme Court, stressing that the NBA will not engage in influencing public opinion or judicial proceedings.
“The Bar fails in its duties to society and the cause of justice when it condones or encourages corrupt practices,” the statement read. “Any attempt to use the Association’s platform to launder the image of a person convicted of criminal offences constitutes a grave violation of professional ethics.”
The NBA has directed Mr. Bamidele Ojo to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Mr. Maina and to cease making statements or representations on his behalf. Disciplinary proceedings are set to be initiated against the Branch Chairman for actions inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession.
President Osigwe emphasized that integrity, accountability, and respect for the judicial process are foundational to the NBA, warning that any conduct undermining these principles would be met with decisive institutional response.