NBA Slams ‘Mockery’ of Legal Profession as It Revokes Convicted Pension Fraudster’s Patron Appointment in Garki Branch

By Emmanuel Kwada

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned and immediately disclaimed the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former pension reform boss convicted of stealing over N2 billion in pension funds, as the “Grand Patron” of its Garki Branch.

In a scathing statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association described the move by the branch chairman, Anthony Bamidele Ojo, as a grave embarrassment to the legal profession, a direct affront to the rule of law, and an undermining of Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption.

The NBA emphasized that appointing someone convicted of such serious financial crimes and corruption-related offenses to a position of honor within its ranks “makes a mockery of the legal profession and the fight against corruption.”

The association further criticized the chairman for making public comments on Maina’s appeal, which is reportedly still pending before the Supreme Court, stating that such actions risk attempting to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings in matters that are sub judice.

“While the NBA respects Mr. Maina’s right to exhaust his right to appeal against the conviction, the Bar will NOT under any guise comment on such an appeal or be seen to try to sway public opinion in his favour,” the statement read.

The NBA made it clear that any endorsement or failure to act against such conduct amounts to condoning corrupt practices, which runs counter to the association’s core mandate of upholding integrity, accountability, and public confidence in the justice system.

In a decisive directive, President Osigwe ordered the immediate withdrawal of the purported appointment and instructed Chairman Ojo to “forthwith cease and desist from issuing statements, comments, or representations on behalf of, or in support of, Mr. Maina or any other litigant in respect of cases pending in court.”

The association announced that disciplinary proceedings would be commenced against the Garki Branch Chairman for actions deemed inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the fundamental values of the legal profession.

“The NBA therefore disclaims the purported appointment… strongly condemns his actions and reiterates that the Bar must use its power to stop corruption,” Osigwe affirmed.

This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of ethical standards within professional bodies in Nigeria, where the legal community is expected to lead by example in the national anti-corruption crusade.

The NBA’s swift response underscores its commitment to preserving the dignity and credibility of the bar amid controversies that threaten public trust.