By Erewunmi Peace

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed strong condemnation over the alleged appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as a Grand Patron of its Garki Branch in Abuja, describing the reported move as inconsistent with the ethical standards of the legal profession.

In an official statement, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the national leadership of the Bar viewed the appointment “with the utmost disdain,” noting that Maina, a convicted pension fraudster, does not meet the moral or professional requirements expected of a patron.

“The NBA reiterates that such an appointment undermines public confidence in the legal profession and erodes the principles of the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts in the country,” the statement read.

Abdulrasheed Maina was convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja in 2021 for misappropriating over ₦2 billion in pension funds and sentenced to eight years in prison. His conviction was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal, cementing his status as a disgraced former public official.

The NBA has directed the Garki Branch chairman to immediately withdraw the alleged appointment and refrain from making any further representations in support of Maina or any individual facing pending litigation. The association also confirmed it will initiate disciplinary proceedings against the branch chairman for conduct deemed unethical and inconsistent with NBA rules.

The NBA’s decisive response underscores its commitment to protecting the integrity of the Nigerian Bar, ensuring that all appointments and honours reflect ethical conduct and public trust in the legal profession.