The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the alleged appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former pensions boss convicted of stealing more than ₦2bn in public funds, as Grand Patron of its Garki Branch.
In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA described the purported appointment as “reprehensible” and said it brought the legal profession into disrepute while undermining Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
The association said the move, reportedly made by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo, was incompatible with the Bar’s commitment to the rule of law and its ethical obligations.
Mr Maina was convicted for pension fraud but is believed to have filed an appeal, which is pending before the Supreme Court. The NBA said while it respects every citizen’s constitutional right to exhaust legal remedies, it would not comment on, or attempt to influence, any matter before the courts.
“The Bar will not, under any guise, lend its name, platform or institutional credibility to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings in cases that are sub judice,” the statement said.
The NBA also criticised comments allegedly made by the Garki Branch chairman regarding Mr Maina’s appeal, warning that such remarks could be perceived as an attempt to sway public opinion or launder the image of a convicted person.
According to the association, any action that appears to condone or encourage corruption represents a failure of its duty to society and the cause of justice.
The NBA has directed Mr Ojo to immediately withdraw the purported appointment and to cease issuing any statements or representations in support of Mr Maina or any other litigant with a case pending in court.
It further announced that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against the chairman of the Garki Branch for conduct it said was inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct and the core values of the legal profession.
“Integrity, accountability, respect for the judicial process and the preservation of public confidence in the legal profession are foundational values of the Nigerian Bar Association,” the statement added, warning that any conduct undermining these principles would attract “firm and decisive institutional response”.
The NBA formally disclaimed the appointment and reiterated its position that the legal profession must play a leading role in the fight against corruption.
