The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former pension administrator convicted of stealing over ₦2 billion in pension funds, as “Grand Patron” of the NBA Garki Branch, describing the move as a grave affront to the legal profession and the fight against corruption.
In a statement signed by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association expressed deep displeasure over the alleged appointment reportedly made by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr. Anthony Bamidele Ojo. The NBA said the action not only tarnishes the image of the Association and the legal profession but also undermines the government’s anti-corruption efforts and the Bar’s commitment to the rule of law.
The Association also faulted the Chairman for allegedly making public comments regarding Mr. Maina’s appeal, which is believed to be pending before the Supreme Court. While acknowledging Mr. Maina’s constitutional right to exhaust all legal remedies, the NBA stressed that it would not, under any circumstance, comment on or seek to influence public opinion on matters that are sub judice.
According to the NBA, any conduct that appears to endorse or sanitize the image of a person convicted of corruption amounts to condoning corrupt practices and represents a failure of the Bar’s duty to society and the cause of justice. The Association stated that it would not lend its platform, name, or institutional credibility to influence judicial proceedings or public perception in favour of any litigant facing criminal charges.
Consequently, the NBA directed the Chairman of the Garki Branch to immediately withdraw the purported appointment of Mr. Maina as a patron of the branch and to desist forthwith from issuing any statements or representations in support of him or any other litigant with cases pending in court.
The Association described the alleged conduct as a serious breach of professional responsibility and institutional discipline, adding that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against the Branch Chairman for actions inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession.
Reaffirming its commitment to integrity, accountability, and respect for the judicial process, the NBA warned that any conduct capable of eroding public confidence in the legal profession would attract firm and decisive institutional sanctions.
The NBA formally disclaimed the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as “Grand Patron of NBA Garki Branch,” condemned the action in strong terms, and reiterated its resolve to deploy its moral and institutional authority in the fight against corruption.
