By Kevin Akor
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has launched disciplinary proceedings against the chairman of its Garki branch following the controversial appointment of a convicted felon as a “Grand Patron,” the organization announced Friday.
In a scathing statement, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, condemned the move by branch chairman Anthony Bamidele Ojo to honor Abdulrasheed Maina, the former pension task force chief convicted of laundering over 2 billion naira (approximately $1.3 million) in pension funds.
“The NBA views with disdain the purported appointment,” Osigwe said. “The purported appointment not only paints the legal profession and the NBA in a bad light but also makes a mockery of the government’s fight against corruption.”
The national leadership of the bar association described Ojo’s actions as “putrid” and a “serious breach of professional responsibility.” The association further criticized the branch chairman for making public comments regarding Maina’s ongoing appeal at the Supreme Court, calling it an attempt to sway public opinion in favor of a convict.
“Any attempt to do so constitutes a grave violation of professional ethics and a direct affront to the rule of law,” the statement read.
The NBA has issued a directive for Ojo to immediately withdraw the appointment and “cease and desist” from making any further representations in support of Maina.
Maina’s conviction in 2021 was a landmark case in Nigeria’s efforts to tackle systemic corruption, specifically regarding the embezzlement of funds intended for elderly retirees. By elevating such a figure to a position of honor, the NBA argued, the Garki branch had effectively abandoned its duty to society.
“The Bar fails in her duties to the society and the cause of justice when it condones, encourages, or fails to take definite actions to eliminate corruption,” Osigwe stated.
The national body officially disclaimed the appointment on Friday, reiterating that integrity and accountability remain the “foundational values” of the association.
The NBA confirmed that the disciplinary process against Ojo will address conduct inconsistent with the NBA Constitution and the Rules of Professional Conduct.
