Nigerian Bar Association Condemns Branch for Appointing Convicted Fràudster Abdulrasheed Maina as Patron

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the purported appointment of convicted fraudster Abdulrasheed Maina as Grand Patron of its Garki branch in Abuja. In a stern statement, NBA President Afam Osigwe stated the association viewed the move with “disdain” and that it “paints the legal profession and the NBA in a bad light.”

Maina was convicted for stealing over N2 billion in pension funds. The NBA criticized the Garki branch chairman, Anthony Bamidele Ojo, for the appointment and for reportedly making public comments about Maina’s pending appeal, which the NBA believes attempts to sway public opinion. The association stressed that while it respects the right to appeal, it “will not under any guise… be seen to try to sway public opinion” or launder the image of a convicted criminal.

The NBA warned that such actions portray lawyers as “condoning corrupt practices” and constitute a failure of the Bar’s duty to society. It has issued a direct order to Chairman Ojo to immediately withdraw the appointment and cease all public statements in support of Maina.

Furthermore, the NBA announced it will initiate disciplinary proceedings against the Garki branch chairman for actions inconsistent with the NBA constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession. The statement reiterated that “integrity, accountability, and respect for the judicial process” are foundational to the Bar and that it must use its influence to combat, not condone, corruption.