The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has disclaimed the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, who was convicted for stealing over N2 billion in pension funds, as “Grand Patron of NBA Garki Branch,” describing the action as one that makes a mockery of the legal profession and the fight against corruption.

In a statement signed by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association said it views with disdain the purported appointment made by the Chairman of NBA Garki Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo.

The NBA stated that the purported appointment not only paints the legal profession and the Association in a bad light but also makes a mockery of the Government’s fight against corruption, as well as the Association’s motto of promoting the rule of law.

“Equally reprehensible was the decision of the Chairman to make comments about Abdulrasheed Maina’s appeal, currently believed to be pending at the Supreme Court,” the statement read.

The Association noted that while it respects Maina’s right to exhaust his right to appeal against the conviction, the Bar will NOT under any guise comment on such an appeal or be seen to try to sway public opinion in his favour.

The NBA stated that the actions of the Garki Branch Chairman portray him, and indeed any person who endorsed his actions, as condoning corrupt practices.

“The Bar fails in her duties to the society and the cause of justice when it condones, encourages, and or fails to take definite actions to eliminate corruption and corrupt practices,” the statement declared.

The Association emphasised that it will not, under any guise, lend its platform, name, or institutional credibility to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings in respect of cases that are sub judice or take steps that may be perceived as laundering the image of any person convicted of criminal offences.

“Any attempt to do so constitutes a grave violation of professional ethics and a direct affront to the rule of law,” the NBA warned.

In view of the foregoing, the NBA directed the Chairman of NBA Garki Branch, Mr. Bamidele Ojo, to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina as a Patron of the Branch.

The Chairman was also ordered to forthwith cease and desist from issuing statements, comments, or representations on behalf of, or in support of, Mr. Maina or any other litigant in respect of cases pending in court.

The NBA stated that it views the conduct as a serious breach of professional responsibility and institutional discipline.

“Accordingly, disciplinary proceedings will be commenced against the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch for actions inconsistent with the Constitution of the NBA, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession,” the statement announced.

NBA GARKI BRANCH CHAIR DISCLIAMER

The Association reiterated that integrity, accountability, respect for the judicial process, and the preservation of public confidence in the legal profession are foundational values of the Nigerian Bar Association.

“Any conduct that undermines these principles will attract firm and decisive institutional response,” the NBA warned.

The statement concluded: “The NBA therefore disclaims the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as ‘Grand Patron of NBA Garki Branch’ by the Chairman of the Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo. The NBA strongly condemns his actions and reiterates that the Bar must use its power to stop corruption.”

Abdulrasheed Maina, a former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, was convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2022 for money laundering involving over N2 billion in pension funds. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment. His appeal against the conviction is believed to be pending at the Supreme Court.

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