The Nigerian Bar Association has strongly condemned the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina—convicted for stealing over two billion naira in pension funds—as “Grand Patron” of its Garki Branch.
In a statement signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association described the move by Branch Chairman Anthony Bamidele Ojo as a mockery of the legal profession and a setback in the fight against corruption.
The NBA noted that while Mr. Maina has the right to pursue his appeal, currently believed to be pending at the Supreme Court, the Bar will not comment on or attempt to sway public opinion in his favour.
The Association directed the Garki Branch Chairman to immediately withdraw the appointment and desist from making statements in support of Maina or any litigant with cases still before the courts.
The NBA further announced that disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against Mr. Ojo, citing serious breaches of professional responsibility and ethics.