The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the alleged appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former pension reform boss convicted over the theft of more than ₦2 billion, as Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch, describing it as a grave embarrassment to the legal profession and a threat to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
In a statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association said it viewed the move, allegedly made by Garki Branch Chairman Anthony Ojo, with “disdain,” noting that it contradicts the NBA’s core values of integrity, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
Osigwe also warned against comments reportedly made about Maina’s pending appeal before the Supreme Court, stressing that the Bar must not be seen to influence judicial proceedings.
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He said the NBA would not lend its platform to anyone convicted of corruption or to actions that could launder such a person’s image.
The NBA directed Ojo to immediately withdraw the appointment and announced that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against him, reaffirming its commitment to integrity and the fight against corruption.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
