Abuja-based legal practitioner, Joseph Onu Silas, Esq., has accused Muritala Abdul-Rasheed, SAN, Ph.D (popularly known as Murray) of using his position as Chief of Staff during the AB Mahmoud, SAN administration to enrich himself from funds donated to the Nigerian Bar Association by the MacArthur Foundation.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SADR.jpeg")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
In a statement titled “Of Murray And Allied Matters: MacArthur Foundation Slush Will Never Go Away,” Silas described Murray as a hypocrite who has a penchant for calling innocent persons fraudsters.
Silas revealed that he asked Artificial Intelligence to describe a fraudulent person who calls innocent persons fraudsters.
“I asked AI a simple question to see if I can get a single word that can be used to describe a fraudulent person who has a penchant for calling innocent persons fraudsters. Interestingly, AI just made a short note for me in an attempted answer:
“‘You’re thinking of a pot calling the kettle black situation! A person who falsely accuses others of fraud while being fraudulent themselves is often described as a hypocrite or exhibiting hypocrisy. Some other terms that might fit: Projecting — attributing one’s own faults to others; Deflector — diverting attention from their own wrongdoing; Gaslighter — manipulating others’ perception of reality.’
“Sincerely speaking, for anyone who knows Murray, you will easily agree that AI has done a good job of describing him,” Silas stated.
Silas recalled Murray’s controversial tenure as Chief of Staff to the NBA President during AB Mahmoud, SAN’s administration.
“It wasn’t too long that AB Mahmoud, SAN was the President of NBA and we were shocked to see the creation of a special office in the NBA House. The Office of Chief of Staff to the President was illegally set up for Murray, designed to undermine the functions of the Executive Director of the NBA. That intention was perfectly achieved by Murray who was the architect of creating that office.
“He used the office to enrich himself from funds donated to the NBA by reputable organizations like the MacArthur Foundation. So, when you hear Murray talking about Dollar distribution, it is because he is very familiar with that currency and how easily it is to steal public fund using that hard currency.”
Silas revealed that Murray earned a derogatory nickname during that period.
“Murray did not only open his mouth amidst concrete evidence of his bad behavior as ‘Chief of Staff’, which someone jokingly rebranded as ‘Thief of Staff’, he went on the offensive alleging that his favorite currency, the US Dollars, was shared by the NBA to Senior Advocates.”
Silas expressed surprise that Murray would involve himself in NBA politics after the MacArthur Foundation controversy.
“I, in particular, have rested assured that Murray, having disgraced himself in NBA affairs during AB Mahmoud, SAN administration, will keep off all forms of public involvement in NBA politics. But, alas I am wrong as a hypocrite has no sense of shame.
“The funny thing is that he made the allegation as if he cared about non-SANs and others who he said were not given the hard currency.”
Silas stated that Murray’s true objective was not hidden.
“His main objective for the allegation was not hidden as he immediately also began to complain about the NBA President’s open support for a particular candidate in the upcoming national election of the Bar.”
Silas warned that Murray’s open support for Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, could cost the aspirant votes.
“This is where it gets interesting, as I was not too keen on openly supporting any candidate for the next election. But his open and fiery support for Aare Olumuyiwa Akingboro, SAN (who I have so much respect for) has only worked against the respected Senior Advocate and aspirant for the NBA Presidency.
“My reason is simple — the only reason why Murray will openly and so forcefully throw himself into the ring for Akingboro is because he is guaranteed to enjoy the kind of patronage he did during the AB Mahmoud era. That was an era that should never be allowed to befall the Bar again. For this guy, NBA is a meal ticket and nothing more.”
Silas issued a direct warning to Akinboro.
“Unless Akingboro openly denounces Murray and distance himself from the baseless drama being directed by Murray, it will cost him my vote and that of many other responsible Bar men/women across the nation.
“It should be a collective determination that anyone who has undermined the NBA by pillaging its funds, should not enjoy the patronage of any prospective or serving leader of the Bar. Murray should be the foremost example of how such persons should be treated.
“In the forthcoming election, until Akingboro states his position clearly, I will consider that only two candidates are up for election. We must not tear down the house in order to lead it.”
Silas demanded an apology from Murray.
“Murray must apologize to the NBA President and the entire legal profession for his unguarded and unsubstantiated reckless remarks or risk being asked to answer for his time as ‘Chief of Staff’.
“To be exact, NEC has also found him culpable in the act of fund disappearance or unaccountability.”
Silas indicated that his statement was the first in a series.
“This is chapter one of my reaction to Murray. More will follow as the spirit leads,” he concluded.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola
_______________________________________________________________________
New Year Promo: Get Five Maritime Law Books For N150,000 — 63% Discount
The promotion, which commenced on January 8 and runs until February 8, 2026, offers five core maritime law books authored by Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, ordinarily valued at N405,000, for just N150,000 — a 63% discount.
Interested buyers can place their orders through the following channels:
Phone: 0704 329 3271
Online Store: https://paystack.shop/aa-bookstore
Website: www.akabogulaw.com
______________________________________________________________________
