…Faults Parallel Probe 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, Prof. Mazi Udegbulem, has condemned what he described as alleged insubordination by some members of the branch against the national leadership of the association over the constitution of a parallel investigative committee to probe the controversial ₦100 million grant from the Imo State Government.
Udegbulem also faulted the establishment of the parallel committee at the branch’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on October 15, 2026, arguing that the move disregarded the directive of the NBA President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, who had earlier constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations concerning the receipt, management and disbursement of the grant.
The statement, obtained by our reporter on Saturday, October 17, 2026, described the establishment of the parallel committee as an act of insubordination against the national leadership of the association.
According to Udegbulem, the action was allegedly led by the branch Vice-Chairman, Dr. Ekezie Onumajulu, alongside Barr. Chidi Nworka and other members.
He described the move as an unprecedented act of insubordination against the NBA’s national leadership, saying: “The decision by a section of the NBA Owerri Branch membership, led by the Vice-Chairman, Dr. Ekezie Onumajulu, and his group, to constitute a parallel investigative committee smacks of insubordination to the national leadership of the NBA on an unprecedented scale. Such recklessness must be condemned.”
The NBA Owerri chairman explained that the national president, in a letter dated October 14, 2026, had acknowledged the developing situation in the branch following a requisition reportedly signed by 183 members and subsequently established a three-member committee to investigate the allegations surrounding the ₦100 million grant.
The committee comprises the NBA General Secretary, Mr. Afam Okeke; the Third Vice-President, Mrs. Iniobong Irene Pepple; and the NBA Treasurer, Mrs. Esther Jimoh.
According to the statement, the NBA President directed that the October 15 EGM should proceed, with the presidentially constituted committee attending as her representatives to observe proceedings, ensure that a signed attendance register was maintained and provide necessary directions to maintain order.
The President also directed that all financial records relating to the grant be preserved and made available to the committee, while requiring the panel to submit its findings and recommendations on or before October 30, 2026.
Udegbulem stated that the President had emphasised that the constitution of the committee did not amount to a finding of wrongdoing against any individual.
However, he alleged that the EGM, presided over by the branch Vice-Chairman after the chairman stepped aside from the meeting, resolved to establish a separate committee to investigate the grant independently of the panel constituted by the national president.
He faulted the decision, maintaining that the establishment of another committee to investigate the same allegations was contrary to the directive of the NBA President.
The branch chairman further questioned the impartiality of Barr. Chidi Nworka, who was reportedly appointed to head the parallel committee, alleging that Nworka had previously made public statements accusing him and the branch executive of attempting to interfere with evidence and obstruct the course of justice.
Udegbulem argued that the alleged statements raised concerns about the ability of the parallel committee’s chairman to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter.
He further stated that the principle of nemo judex in causa sua—which requires that no person should be a judge in their own cause—underscored the need for impartiality in the investigative process.
Expressing further concerns over the development, Udegbulem alleged that the move to establish the parallel committee suggested an ulterior motive on the part of those behind it.
“Moreover, the desperation to establish a parallel investigative committee in defiance of the duly constituted and impartial panel appointed by the NBA national leadership further raises questions about the motives and underlying agenda of this 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗴𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗱 group,” Udegbulem said.
He maintained that accountability and transparency remained essential in the management of the branch’s affairs but insisted that any investigation into the grant must follow due process and respect the authority of the NBA’s national leadership.
The chairman consequently urged members of the Owerri Branch to cooperate with the three-member committee constituted by the NBA President, insisting that the presidentially appointed panel should be allowed to carry out its assignment without interference.
He also apologised to the NBA President over what he described as acts of insubordination by some members of the branch, reaffirming his commitment to accountability in the handling of the controversial grant.
The controversy over the ₦100 million grant and the establishment of competing investigative committees has intensified divisions within the NBA Owerri Branch, with the presidentially constituted committee expected to submit its findings and recommendations by October 30, 2026.
