THIS DAWN — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly disowned and condemned the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, the convicted former pension reform boss, as Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch.
This was contained in a statement signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.
The Association described the move by the branch chairman, Anthony Bamidele Ojo, as a grave violation of professional ethics and a direct affront to the rule of law.
NBA’s Position
The NBA condemned appointing a person convicted of stealing and laundering over ₦2 billion in pension funds.
The law body emphasized that it makes a mockery of the legal profession and undermines Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
“Purportedly appointing a person convicted of stealing and money laundering or corrupt practices as patron of any branch of NBA makes a mockery of the legal profession and the fight against corruption,” the statement read.
The Association also criticized Ojo’s decision to comment publicly on Maina’s pending appeal at the Supreme Court.
It stressed that while Maina has the right to exhaust his appeal process, the NBA will not under any guise attempt to sway public opinion or judicial proceedings in his favour.
Disciplinary Action
The NBA directed the Garki Branch Chairman to immediately withdraw the appointment.
It also directed him to cease issuing statements or representations in support of Maina or any litigant with cases pending in court.
Furthermore, the Association announced that disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against Ojo.
Osigwe said that his actions are inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the Association’s core values.
Upholding Integrity
The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, accountability, respect for the judicial process, and the preservation of public confidence in the legal profession.
It warned that any conduct undermining these principles will attract a firm and decisive institutional response.
“The Bar fails in her duties to society and the cause of justice when it condones or encourages corruption.
“The NBA will not lend its platform, name, or institutional credibility to launder the image of any person convicted of criminal offences,” Osigwe stated.
By disowning the appointment, the NBA has sought to protect its institutional credibility and reinforce its role as a guardian of justice and the rule of law.
The Association reiterated that the legal profession must remain a bulwark against corruption, not a platform for its legitimization.
