*Says “There Is No Way I Can Get A Fair Trial Before My Accuser,” Insists ₦87.43m Was Spent, ₦18.91m Remains
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, Mazi Udegbulem, has rejected an invitation to appear before a five-member committee constituted by the Branch to investigate the utilisation of a ₦100 million grant from the Imo State Government, insisting that he would instead submit to the investigative panel set up by the NBA national leadership.
Udegbulem, who addressed journalists in Owerri on Monday, said his decision was based on concerns over alleged bias and what he described as parallel investigative proceedings.
He argued that appearing before the Branch committee while a three-member panel constituted by the NBA National President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, remained active would amount to insubordination and illegality.
“By the architecture of the NBA, it will be illegal and insubordination to the office of the National President that she set up a committee, but those after me set up theirs,” he said.
Udegbulem also alleged that key members of the Branch committee had already expressed adverse views about him on social media, arguing that this raised questions about whether he could receive a fair hearing before the panel.
“There is no way I can get a fair trial before the man who accused me, calling me a fraudster.
“I have told my President that I will not submit myself to the panel,” he said.
While rejecting the Branch probe, the Chairman released a breakdown of how the ₦100 million grant was spent, maintaining that the money was paid directly into the official account of the NBA Owerri Branch and used for approved projects and members’ welfare.
According to him, the Branch had an opening balance of ₦6.35 million before receiving the ₦100 million government grant on August 24.
He said ₦42.18 million was spent on logistics for the Association’s Annual General Conference, while ₦17.5 million was used to procure a 32KVA solar power system.
Udegbulem further stated that ₦10.3 million was distributed as direct welfare support to 206 Branch members, while ₦5.41 million was spent on air conditioners.
According to the breakdown, ₦3.4 million was spent to enrol 86 members in a health insurance scheme, ₦2.5 million on public address systems, ₦2.24 million on computers, ₦1.95 million on repairs at the Bar Centre, and ₦1.93 million on executive chairs.
“Total expenditures stood at ₦87.43 million, leaving a verified balance of ₦18.91 million in the official Fidelity Bank account,” Udegbulem said.
He maintained that all projects financed from the funds had been completed and could be physically inspected at the NBA Bar Centre in Owerri.
“All the projects executed with the funds are fully completed, verified, and open for physical inspection at the Bar Centre in Owerri,” he said.
The Chairman also said he had already submitted bank records, vouchers and project documents relating to the expenditures to the investigative committee constituted by the NBA National President.
The controversy followed a petition by a former General Secretary of the Owerri Branch, Mr. Chinedu Agu, accusing Udegbulem of financial misappropriation.
Agu also petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the NBA national leadership, alleging that the ₦100 million grant was spent without prior approval of the Branch’s general meeting.
He further alleged that the executive committee carried out unauthorised disbursements and that the manner in which the funds were handled compromised the professional independence of the Association in the state.
The allegations have not been established.
Following the petition, the NBA National President constituted a three-member committee to investigate the issues raised.
The Owerri Branch subsequently set up its own five-member committee to conduct a parallel inquiry, citing a lack of confidence in the panel constituted by the national leadership.
The disagreement has now created two separate investigative processes over the same ₦100 million grant, with Udegbulem insisting that he will only participate in the inquiry established by the NBA National President.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
