By Obinna Uballa
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the reported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former Pension Reform Task Force chairman convicted of corruption, as Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch, describing the move as a disgrace to the legal profession and a direct affront to the fight against graft.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association said it viewed the purported appointment with “disdain,” insisting that it undermines the NBA’s values and tarnishes the reputation of the entire legal community.
Maina was convicted in 2021 by the Federal High Court in Abuja for stealing over N2 billion in pension funds and was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment. In May 2023, the Court of Appeal upheld the sentence after finding him guilty on a 12-count money laundering charge.
The NBA said the appointment not only damages the association’s image but also mocks the government’s anti-corruption efforts and the rule of law.
“The purported appointment not only paints the legal profession and the NBA 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,” the statement said.
The association also faulted comments allegedly made by the NBA Garki Branch chairman, Mr. Anthony Ojo, regarding Maina’s appeal, which is believed to be pending before the Supreme Court.
While acknowledging Maina’s constitutional right to appeal, the NBA insisted it would not comment on or attempt to influence public opinion on matters that are sub judice.
“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 NBA said.
“These actions portray the Chairman of NBA Garki and any person who endorsed such conduct as condoning corrupt practices,” it added.
The NBA warned that any attempt to sanitise the image of a person convicted of criminal offences is a grave violation of professional ethics.
“While the NBA respects Mr 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 statement said.
The association said it would not lend its platform, name, or institutional credibility to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings in respect of cases that are sub judice.
“Any attempt to do so constitutes a grave violation of professional ethics and a direct affront to the rule of law,” the NBA said.
The NBA directed the Garki Branch chairman to immediately withdraw the purported appointment and to stop issuing statements or representations supporting any litigant in ongoing court cases.
“In view of the foregoing, the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr. Bamidele Ojo, is hereby directed to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina as a Patron of the Branch and 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,” Osigwe stated.
The association also announced that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against the Garki Branch chairman for conduct inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession.
Reaffirming its stance, the NBA formally disclaimed the alleged appointment and reiterated its commitment to integrity, accountability, and respect for the judicial process.
“Any conduct that undermines these principles will attract firm and decisive institutional response,” Osigwe added.
