The Nigerian Bar Association has rejected the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina, a former Pension Reform Task Force chairman convicted of fraud, as Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch, noting that the action portrayed the NBA as endorsing corruption.
In a video which went viral on the internet while drawing nationwide criticism, Maina, the disgraced former Pension Reform Task Force chairman was allegedly appointment Grand Patron by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr Anthony Ojo.
But in a statement on Friday by NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association vehemently rebuked the action.
According to the NBA, the purported appointment not only brought the association into disrepute, but also undermined its core values and the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
“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 partly read.
The Association also faulted comments allegedly made by the NBA Garki Branch chairman concerning Maina’s appeal, which is believed to be pending before the Supreme Court.
While acknowledging Maina’s constitutional right to exhaust all available legal remedies, the NBA stressed that it would not, under any circumstances, comment on or attempt to influence public opinion regarding 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.
“These actions portray the Chairman of NBA Garki and any person who endorsed such conduct as condoning corrupt practices,” the NBA said, adding that the Bar fails in its duty to society when it condones or encourages corruption.
The statement warned that any action perceived as sanitising the image of a person convicted of criminal offences amounted to 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 Association 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 statement added.
Consequently, the NBA directed Ojo to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Maina as a patron of the branch and to desist from issuing statements or representations in support of any litigant in respect of cases pending before the courts.
The Association further disclosed that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against the chairman of the Garki Branch for actions inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession.
“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.
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 stated.
Maina was convicted in 2021 by the Federal High Court in Abuja for stealing over N2bn in pension funds and was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.
In May 2023, the Court of Appeal upheld the eight-year sentence following his conviction on a 12-count money laundering charge.
In a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, the appellate court said it found no reason to set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which found him guilty.
