Tag: NBA

 The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has threatened to boycott proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge of Enugu State over what it described as persistent delays in the hearing of an appeal involving a legal practitioner, Mr. Bright Ngene.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NBA, which expressed concern that the delay raises serious issues about the protection of lawyers’ rights and public confidence in the administration of justice.

To address the situation, NEC resolved to constitute a five-member intervention committee to interface directly with the Chief Judge of Enugu State and ensure that a hearing date for the appeal is fixed within two weeks.

The committee is to be chaired by Mr. Sammie Somiari, SAN. Other members include Mr. Musa Attah, SAN; the Chairman of the NBA Enugu Branch, Mr. V. C. Odo, Esq.; Hon. Chidi Aroh; and Ms. Osato Uwagboe. Two senior advocates, Mr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN, and Mr. Abdul Muhammed, SAN, also volunteered to serve on the committee.

According to the resolution, the committee’s mandate is to engage with the Chief Judge to secure an expedited hearing of the appeal “in the interest of justice and fairness.”

Read Also: NBA moves to penalise branch chairman for naming ex-convict grand patron

NEC further warned that if a hearing date is not fixed within the stipulated period, NBA branches in Enugu State would commence a boycott of proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge.

The Association also indicated that it would explore additional measures, including the institution of legal action, to challenge what it views as a violation of Mr. Ngene’s fundamental rights.

The NBA said the move reflects its commitment to defending due process, protecting its members, and ensuring that delays or administrative lapses do not undermine the justice system.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the purported appointment of a former Pension Fund Administrator, Abdulrasheed Maina, as Grand Patron of the NBA Garki Branch, describing the move as a grave affront to the legal profession and the fight against corruption.

In a statement issued by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN the alleged appointment, reportedly made by the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr. Anthony Bamidele Ojo, had brought the Bar into disrepute and undermined public confidence in the rule of law.

Maina was convicted for stealing over ₦2 billion from 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.

According to the NBA, associating the Bar with a person convicted of such offences amounts to condoning corruption and contradicts the Association’s core values of integrity, accountability, and respect for the judicial process.

“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,” the statement read.

The Association also faulted comments allegedly made by the branch chairman regarding Maina’s appeal, said to be pending before the Supreme Court.

While affirming that Maina is entitled to exhaust his constitutional right of appeal, the NBA stressed that it would not, under any guise, comment on or attempt to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings in matters that are sub judice.

The Association warned that lending its platform or institutional credibility to individuals convicted of criminal offences, or making statements capable of swaying judicial outcomes, constitutes a serious violation of professional ethics.

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Consequently, the NBA directed Mr. Ojo to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Maina as a patron of the Garki Branch and to cease issuing statements or representations in support of him or any other litigant with pending court cases.

The NBA further announced that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against the Garki Branch chairman for conduct deemed inconsistent with the NBA Constitution, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the ethical standards of the legal profession.

“The Bar fails in its duty to society when it condones or encourages corruption,” the statement added, noting that any conduct undermining public confidence in the profession would attract firm institutional response.

The NBA formally disclaimed the alleged appointment and reiterated its commitment to using its influence to promote the rule of law and combat corruption in all its forms.

 “Any conduct that undermines these principles will attract firm and decisive institutional response,” Osigwe stated.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the chairman of the association’s Garki branch in Abuja, Anthony Ojo, for naming an ex-convict, Abdulrasheed Maina, as the branch’s grand patron.

The NBA, in a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), said the development not only paints the legal profession and the group in a bad light, but it also makes a mockery of the government’s fight against corruption, as well as the association’s motto of promoting the rule of law.

Maina, the Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), was convicted along with his company, Common Input Property and Investment Limited, on money laundering charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja in a judgment delivered on November 8, 2021.

The court sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment, which should run from October 25, 2019, when he was first arraigned, and ordered his company to be wound up.

Maina and his firm were also ordered to forfeit about N2.1 billion traced to their bank accounts, as well as another sum of $223, 396, 30, to the Federal Government.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of Maina’s two choice properties at Lifecamp and Jabi districts of Abuja to the government, as well as the auction of a bulletproof car and a BMW 5 Series exotic car found in his house in Abuja.

Maina has since served his term and was recently released by the prison authorities in Abuja.

Osigwe said, in his statement, that it was also reprehensible that Ojo made comments about Maina’s appeal, which is currently believed to be pending at the Supreme Court.

Part of the statement reads, “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.

“These actions portray the Chairman of NBA Garki and, indeed, any person who endorsed his putrid actions as condoning corrupt practices.

Read Also: NBA Chairmen laud Sanwo-Olu, NTDA GM Aboyeji on projects

“The Bar fails in her duties to society and the cause of justice when it condones, encourages, and or fails to take definite actions to eliminate corruption and corrupt practices.

“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.

“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 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.

“The NBA views this conduct as a serious breach of professional responsibility and institutional discipline.

“Accordingly, disciplinary proceedings will be commenced against the Chairman of the NBA Garki branch for actions inconsistent with the Constitution of the NBA, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the core values of the legal profession.

“Integrity, accountability, respect for the judicial process, and the preservation of public confidence in the legal profession are foundational values of the Nigerian Bar Association.

“Any conduct that undermines these principles will attract firm and decisive institutional response.

“The NBA therefore disclaims the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as ‘Grand Patron of NBA Garki branch’ by the Chairman of the Branch, Anthony Bamidele Ojo.

“The NBA strongly condemns his actions and reiterates that the Bar must use its power to stop corruption.”

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for urgent and decisive action against criminal syndicates involved in “one chance” operations following the killing of two professionals in separate incidents.

The victims, Ms. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse, and Princess Chigbo Mediatrix, a lawyer and former Treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch, were reportedly murdered after falling prey to criminals posing as commercial transport operators. 

Their bodies were later discovered in different parts of Abuja.

In a statement issued by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, described the killings as senseless and horrifying, warning that the apparent return of “one chance” crimes signalled a dangerous deterioration of security in the nation’s capital. 

He said, “These were not faceless victims. They were professionals and contributors to society whose only intention was to return safely from their daily engagements. 

“Their deaths underscore a frightening reality that insecurity is once again tightening its grip on Abuja.”

He noted that the city awoke to fear and sorrow as news of the killings spread, stressing that one of the victims devoted her life to saving others as a healthcare worker, while the other served the legal profession with dedication and integrity.

According to the NBA, the incidents are not isolated but part of a growing pattern in which criminal gangs masquerading as commercial drivers have turned daily commuting into a deadly gamble for residents.

“The pattern is no longer deniable. Criminal gangs, masquerading as commercial transport operators, have turned daily commuting into a deadly gamble. This situation is intolerable in any society that claims to be governed by law,” the statement read. 

Osigwe said the murder of Princess Chigbo Mediatrix was deeply personal to the legal profession, describing her as a committed member of the Bar who served the NBA Abuja Branch with distinction.

“Her death is therefore not only a professional loss but a painful personal blow, and a stark reminder that lawyers, like all Nigerians, remain dangerously exposed in an environment where criminals act with impunity and citizens move in fear,” he said. 

The NBA warned that the loss of the two lives went beyond personal grief and represented a serious erosion of public safety, adding that when citizens cannot commute safely and criminals operate unchecked, the foundations of social order are threatened.

The association called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies to treat the situation as a security emergency. 

According to the association, Immediate, visible, and coordinated action is required to dismantle these criminal networks. Intelligence gathering, surveillance, policing of transport corridors, and targeted operations against known “one chance” syndicates must be intensified without delay.

Read Also: Ex-NBA official killed in Abuja vehicle attack

The NBA also demanded thorough, transparent, and time-bound investigations into the killings, insisting that all those responsible — whether as perpetrators, collaborators, or enablers — must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.

“Justice must not only be promised; it must be delivered,” Osigwe said, warning that failure to act decisively would further embolden criminal elements and deepen public fear.

The NBA stressed that citizens should not have to choose between earning a living and staying alive, adding that the FCT must not become a hunting ground for criminals.

The association extended condolences to the families of the victims, the healthcare community, the NBA Abuja Branch, the wider legal profession, and residents of Abuja, noting that the deaths must serve as a turning point rather than fading into statistics or forgotten headlines.

• …knocks NBA over comment that policy is a revenue-driven initiative

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Friday insisted that the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy is lawful and meant to safeguard the public.

NPF described moves by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, concerning the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy as misleading.

The police authority said the regulation of vehicle-tinted glass is not a discretionary or arbitrary policy, as erroneously put by the President of the NBA.

NPF said it is firmly grounded in law, adding that the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation (LFN), 2004, is an Act of the National Assembly and not a military decree as misrepresented by the President of NBA.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Section 2(3)(a) of the Act vests the Inspector-General of Police with statutory authority to issue permits, while Section 1(2) of the same Act requires applicants to establish legitimate security or health-related justification.

Hundeyin said this framework exists primarily to address public safety concerns, particularly the use of obscured vehicles in the commission of crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and other violent crimes.

He said, “It is therefore incorrect and misleading to portray the policy as a revenue-driven initiative. The Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating organization. Nonetheless, the Force is empowered by law to receive funds that accrue incidentally in the discharge of its statutory functions. Section 26(1)(f) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended) expressly recognizes this authority. This legal position is neither novel nor controversial.

“The Nigeria Police Force has observed recent public commentary attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, concerning the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy. In the overriding interest of public order, institutional clarity, and national security, the Force finds it necessary to place the facts on record, correct material misrepresentations, and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and judicial authority.

“At all times, the Nigeria Police Force remains a law-abiding institution operating strictly within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, extant statutes, and valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction. Under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Force has neither acted nor intends to act in contempt of court. Respect for the judiciary and adherence to due process remain non-negotiable pillars of police governance and command responsibility.

“In balancing accessibility for legitimate applicants with the imperatives of national security and operational sustainability, the Federal Government approved the Police Specialized Services Automation Project, which received due approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in July 2022. The project is implemented under a lawful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement authorised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Act, with the Nigeria Police Force partnering a licensed Information Technology infrastructure provider.

Read Also: Court bars police from enforcing tinted glass permit policy

“Under this automated framework, applications for tinted glass permits are processed online, subjected to security vetting, and approved strictly in accordance with the law. Administrative fees paid by applicants are applied solely towards sustaining the technology infrastructure, data security systems, and workflow architecture supporting the process. They do not constitute revenue generation by the Nigeria Police Force.”

Hundeyin said the allegation by Osigwe, that payments are made into a “private account” operated by Parkway Projects, is entirely false and betrays either a lack of understanding of payment processing systems or outright mischief calculated to mislead members of the public.

“Parkway Projects Limited is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed Payment Services Provider, engaged by the Federal Government as a payment collection channel for the Vehicle Tint Permit Project, in the same manner as platforms such as Remita. The reference number cited as the bank account number of Parkway Projects by the President of NBA is not a bank account but a unique transaction identifier, used for reconciliation and settlement into designated government channels.

“While some motorists may desire tinted glass for privacy, aesthetics, or protection from sunlight, the indiscriminate use of heavily tinted vehicles has demonstrably undermined traffic surveillance, facilitated criminal concealment, and impeded intelligence-led policing. The enhanced Tint Permit System was therefore introduced to standardise applications nationwide, improve vetting, and integrate security innovations, previously absent from the process, while eliminating bottlenecks and tendencies for extortion associated with the previous process. This is part of a series of innovations recently introduced to modernise policing in Nigeria under the current Inspector-General of Police.

“The Nigeria Police Force recalls that enforcement of the policy was earlier voluntarily suspended following engagements with the NBA leadership and in response to public appeals. This decision was an exercise of institutional restraint and goodwill, not the result of any judicial restraint. The Force remains fully cognisant of pending matters before the courts, including Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, in which judgment has been reserved, and will not take any step capable of pre-empting or undermining judicial outcomes.

“The recent communication regarding enforcement was intended to provide advance public notice on operational planning, subject always to compliance with subsisting court directives and further guidance from the courts. Where any aspect of such communication is capable of misinterpretation, the Nigeria Police Force is open to constructive engagement to ensure clarity, harmony, and strict adherence to the law. That notwithstanding, the Nigeria Police Force will not expend valuable time responding to ignorant and mischievous claims, especially by persons who have chosen to use malicious attacks on the Police as a launch pad to limelight and fame under the guise of being a defender of the masses,” he added.

The police said, for the avoidance of doubt, no court has issued a restraining order against the Nigeria Police Force on the matter.

He said the application for interim injunction was outrightly refused by the Federal High Court sitting in Warri and that the earlier suspension of enforcement was a voluntary act of courtesy to stakeholder engagement.

Hundeyin said in the face of Nigeria’s current security realities, many of which are exacerbated by the abuse of tinted vehicles, the Force cannot abdicate its constitutional responsibility.

He said, “It must also be noted that only a small percentage of motorists utilise tinted glass. No responsible police institution will allow the security of the overwhelming majority of Nigerians to be jeopardised in order to protect the narrow interests of a few, whether elitist or criminal, under the guise of public advocacy.

“Notwithstanding the foregoing, enforcement, where lawfully undertaken, will be professional, measured, and rights-compliant. The Inspector-General of Police reiterates that extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority by any police officer will not be tolerated. Officers found culpable will face severe disciplinary sanctions. However, Individual misconduct must not be weaponised to malign the Nigeria Police Force as an institution.

“While the Nigeria Police Force recognises the Nigerian Bar Association as a vital stakeholder in Nigeria’s justice system, public narratives that suggest institutional lawlessness or bad faith are neither accurate nor helpful. The Force will not continue to engage publicly with individuals who misuse respected platforms like the Nigerian Bar Association to pursue personal agendas or erode public confidence in lawful authority.

“The Force is also aware, through media reports, that Mr. Olukunle Edun, SAN, whose earlier actions were unsuccessful, has allegedly instituted a fresh suit at the High Court of Delta State, Orerokpe Division, despite the pendency of Suit Nos: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 and FHC/WR/CS/103/2025. The Nigeria Police Force has not been served with any processes in respect of this alleged action. Upon service, the Force will review the same with its legal advisers and take all lawful steps available to it.

“The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, reassures Nigerians of the Nigeria Police Force’s unyielding commitment to professionalism, transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights. The Force remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to safeguard lives and property and will continue to act lawfully, decisively, and independently in the best interest of the Nigerian people.

“The Nigeria Police Force calls for calm, responsible public discourse and sustained respect for judicial processes as the courts pronounce on the issues before them.”