Owerri-based lawyer and former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, Chinedu Agu, has questioned the propriety of a committee set up by the Branch Chairman, Dr. Mazi Udegbulem, to investigate allegations of financial misappropriation concerning his administration.
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In a statement dated September 28, 2026, Agu said a motion had already been submitted to the Secretary of NBA Owerri Branch seeking Udegbulem’s removal on grounds of alleged financial misappropriation.
According to him, the motion was submitted pursuant to Article 13(6) of the NBA Uniform Bye-Law.
Agu argued that in those circumstances, it was improper for the Chairman to constitute a committee to investigate allegations relating to his own conduct.
“In the circumstances, it is improper for you to constitute a committee to investigate allegations concerning your own conduct,” he said.
He urged Udegbulem to consider the provisions of Article 13(8) of the Uniform Bye-Law, maintaining that there was no provision in the Bye-Law authorising or contemplating the procedure adopted.
Agu further argued that because the Chairman’s integrity was itself the subject of scrutiny, he should not be the person responsible for establishing or controlling a committee assigned to investigate the allegations.
“Furthermore, as a party whose integrity is the subject of scrutiny, you cannot reasonably be the person to establish or control a committee tasked with investigating those allegations,” Agu said.
He relied on the principle of Nemo Judex in Causa Sua, a fundamental rule of natural justice that no person should sit as a judge in his own cause.
“The principle of Nemo Judex in Causa Sua remains a fundamental rule of natural justice: no person should sit as a judge in his own cause,” he stated.
Agu also said the Nigerian Bar Association, as an institution that demands accountability from others, must be prepared to demonstrate the same standards within its own structures.
“As an institution committed to holding others accountable, we must equally demonstrate accountability within our own ranks,” he said.
“The public expects the Bar to uphold the very standards it demands from others.”
He maintained that the controversy should be addressed strictly in accordance with the governing rules and principles of the Association.
According to him, adherence to those procedures was necessary to protect the integrity and reputation of NBA Owerri Branch.
“It is therefore important that this matter is handled in strict accordance with our governing rules and principles, so that the integrity and reputation of the NBA Owerri Branch are preserved,” Agu said.
Agu’s statement was issued at 6:00 p.m. on September 28, 2026.
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