The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has set up a three-member committee to look into allegations of impropriety in the receipt, management and disbursement of a ₦100m gift from the Imo State Government to the NBA Owerri Branch.

The decision followed concerns raised by members of the branch and a requisition by 183 members for an Extraordinary General Meeting over the matter.

In a statement issued on Thursday on her X handle, Badejo-Okusanya acknowledged receipt of letters dated October 13 and 14 on the developing situation in the branch and the proposed meeting.

She said the concerns surrounding the receipt and disbursement of the funds called for a clear account and a fair examination.

She added that members must be allowed to ask questions and get answers in an atmosphere conducive to orderly discussion.

The NBA President stated that the committee is made up of the NBA General Secretary, Afam Okeke; the Third Vice-President, Iniobong Pepple; and the Treasurer, Esther Jimoh.

“I have constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations of impropriety concerning the receipt, management and disbursement of the ₦100 million gift from the Imo State Government to the NBA Owerri Branch.

“The committee comprises the NBA General Secretary, Afam Okeke; Third Vice-President, Iniobong Irene Pepple; and Treasurer, Esther Jimoh,” the statement read.

According to her, the committee will examine relevant financial records and receive representations from concerned parties.

It will then submit its findings and recommendations to her no later than October 30, 2026.

Badejo-Okusanya confirmed that the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 2 pm should go ahead as planned.

She said the committee members would attend the meeting as her representatives to observe proceedings and ensure that a signed attendance register was taken.

They are also to give necessary directions to maintain order.

In the letter, she urged the branch chairman to facilitate the committee’s access to the venue and give it full cooperation.

She stressed that the investigation was meant to establish the facts surrounding the controversy and ensure that members’ concerns were addressed through due process.

The NBA President also emphasised that setting up the committee did not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against any individual.

“Everyone whose conduct is called into question will be given a fair opportunity to respond. All relevant financial records must be preserved and made available to facilitate a thorough examination,” she said.

Badejo-Okusanya reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that concerns raised by members were handled through a fair, transparent and orderly process.

“As President of the Nigerian Bar Association, I remain committed to ensuring that concerns raised by members are addressed through a fair, transparent and orderly process. Accountability must go hand in hand with due process, and our response must sustain members’ confidence in the Association,” the statement added.