The President of the Nigerian Bar Association has directed that the extraordinary general meeting of the Owerri Branch go ahead this afternoon, five days after members who gathered for the same meeting found the gate of the Magistrates Court Complex padlocked and armed police officers posted at it.
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In a letter dated 14 October 2026 to the Branch Chairman, Dr. Mazi Udegbulem, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb, wrote that the meeting “should proceed”, constituted a three-member committee of national officers to investigate the allegations concerning the N100 million gift from the Imo State Government, and directed that the committee attend the meeting as her representatives.
She also asked the Chairman to “facilitate access to the venue”.
The President opened by acknowledging correspondence from the Chairman himself.
“I acknowledge receipt of your letters dated 13 and 14 October 2026 respectively, concerning the developing situation in the NBA Owerri Branch and the Extraordinary General Meeting proposed by 183 (one hundred and eighty-three) requisitioning members of the Branch.”
She then set out the principle on which she was acting.
“The concerns raised about the receipt and disbursement of the N100 million gift from the Imo State Government require a clear account and a fair examination. Members must have an opportunity to raise their questions and receive answers. That process must, however, proceed in an atmosphere conducive to orderly discussion.”
The committee
“I am therefore constituting a three-member committee to investigate the allegations of impropriety concerning the receipt, management and disbursement of the gift. Its members are:
- Mr. Afam Okeke, NBA General Secretary;
- Mrs. Iniobong Irene Pepple, NBA Third Vice-President; and
- Mrs. Esther Jimoh, NBA Treasurer.”
“The meeting scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 2.00 p.m. should proceed. The Committee will attend the meeting as my representatives. They will observe the proceedings, ensure that a signed attendance register is taken and give such directions as may be necessary to secure an orderly meeting. Please facilitate access to the venue and accord the Committee full cooperation.”
“The Committee will also examine the relevant records, receive representations from those concerned and submit its findings and recommendations to me no later than 30 October 2026.”
“The constitution of this Committee does not amount to a finding against any person. Everyone whose conduct is called into question will be given a fair opportunity to respond.”
“Kindly ensure that the relevant financial records are available at the meeting, with copies supplied to the Committee within 24 hours of receipt of this letter. These should include receipts, bank statements, expenditure schedules and explanations, approvals, payment vouchers and any other relevant supporting documents. All records relating to the gift must be preserved.”
“Finally, I expect the Branch leadership and the requisitioning members to cooperate fully with these arrangements. The questions raised deserve answers, and the persons concerned deserve a fair hearing. Our responsibility is to provide a process that delivers both and sustains the confidence of members in their Branch.”
“Please confirm receipt of this letter.”
The letter was copied to the NBA Owerri Branch Executive Committee; to Mr. Chidi B. Nworka, Esq., for the requisitioning members; to Mr. Chinedu Agu, Esq., for the requisitioning members; and to the three members of the Committee, Mr. Afam Okeke, Mrs. Iniobong Irene Pepple and Mrs. Esther Jimoh.
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