The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the alleged appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former public official convicted over pension fund fraud, as “Grand Patron” of the NBA Garki Branch, describing the move as embarrassing and damaging to the integrity of the legal profession.
In a statement issued by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association said it received with deep concern reports that the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr. Anthony Bamidele Ojo, announced Maina’s appointment despite his conviction for the theft of over ₦2 billion in pension funds.
According to the NBA, such an action undermines public confidence in the legal profession and contradicts the Association’s commitment to the rule of law and the fight against corruption. The Bar noted that while Maina retains the constitutional right to pursue his appeal, which is believed to be pending before the Supreme Court, it is wholly inappropriate for any NBA official or branch to comment on the matter or take steps that could be seen as influencing public opinion or judicial proceedings.
“The Nigerian Bar Association will not, under any circumstance, allow its name, platform, or credibility to be used to sanitize the image of any person convicted of criminal offences or to interfere, directly or indirectly, in matters that are before the courts,” the statement said.
The Association further described the conduct of the Garki Branch Chairman, and anyone who supported the move, as a tacit endorsement of corrupt practices. It stressed that the Bar fails in its duty to society when it condones or appears to tolerate corruption in any form.
Consequently, the NBA has directed Mr. Ojo to immediately withdraw any announcement or representation suggesting that Abdulrasheed Maina is a patron of the Garki Branch. He was also ordered to refrain from making further statements or acting in any manner that could be interpreted as supporting Maina or any other litigant with a pending case.
The NBA disclosed that disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against the Chairman of the Garki Branch for actions deemed inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession.
Reaffirming its stance, the Association formally distanced itself from the purported appointment and reiterated its resolve to uphold integrity, accountability, and respect for the judicial process.
“The Bar must stand firmly against corruption and any conduct that brings the legal profession into disrepute,” the statement concluded.