N100m Probe: NBA Owerri Chair Disowns Parallel Panel, Apologises to National President

By Chibueze Chukwu

The Owerri Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Prof. Mazi Udegbulem has faulted the recent constitution of a parallel committee to probe the alleged misappropriation of the One Hundred Million Naira gifted to the branch by the Imo State Government, describing it as bias, null, void, unconstitutional and a clear violation of natural justice.

Udegbulem said the setting up of the probe committee is also an act of insubordination and contempt to the directives of NBA National President, Mrs. Oyinkasola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, who according to him had earlier constituted a 3-member Committee to investigate the said misappropriation allegation.

He stated this in a letter addressed to the National President, dated 17th October, 2026, wherein he apologized to her over the said insubordination of some of the branch members including the branch Vice-Chairman, Dr. Ekezie Onumajulu and one Barr Chidi Nworka.

The Chairman reiterating his commitment to transparency and accountability, insisted that, as far as NBA constitution is concerned, the parallel probe committee does not exist; and urged the members, “to cooperate exclusively with the Committee duly constituted the National President led by the NBA General Secretary, Mr. Afam Okeke.

He said, “as a Chairman who is bound to respect constituted authority, I can never submit to the jurisdiction of such a kangaro Committee. That parallel committee set up at the EGM of 15th October, 2026, is null, void, unconstitutional, and in contempt of the directive dated 14th October, 2026.

“As far as our NBA constitution is concerned, that committee doesn’t exist. All members of NBA Owerri are thus direct to cooperate exclusively with the duly constituted Committee of Mr. Afam Okeke, Mrs. Iniobong Irene Pepple and Mrs. Esther Jimoh.

“I sincerely apologise to Madam President, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, for the acts of insubordination exbited by some disgruntled members of Owerri Bar.

“As the branch chairman, I am fully committed to accountability, but accountability must follow due process and respect for constituted authority.”

The chairman’s letter also reads, “I write with utmost respect and loyalty to the office of NBA President, to draw the attention of the reading public to an act of insubordination and contempt committed at the Extraordinary General Meeting of NBA Owerri Branch held on 15th October, 2026, by the Vice-Chairman, Dr. Ekezie Onumajulu, Barr Chidi Nworka and their co-travellers.

“By letter dated 14th October, 2026 the NBA President acknowledged the developing situation in NBA Owerri Branch and the requisition by alleged 183 members; and in response constituted a 3-member Committee to investigate the allegations of impropriety concerning the receipt, management and disbursement of the N100 Million gift from Imo State Government, comprising: Mr. Afam Okeke – NBA General Secretary; Mrs. Iniobong Irene Pepple – NBA Third Vice-President; and Mrs. Esther Jimoh – NBA Treasurer;

“Madam President then directed that the EGM scheduled for Thursday, 15 October, 2026, at 2.00 p. m. by Barr Chidi Nworka and Barr Chinedu Agu should proceed, and that the Committee shall attend as her representatives to observe proceedings, ensure a signed attendance register is taken, and give necessary directions to maintain order; and directed that all financial records be preserved and made available to the Committee, with copies to be supplied within 24 hours. I have since complied with this directives.

“Madam President also directed that the Committee shall submit its findings and recommendations not later than 30 October, 2026, and emphasized that its constitution does not amount to a finding against any person.
This letter was duly copied to the Branch EXCO, Mr. Chidi B. Nworka for the alleged requisitionists and the committee members.

“2. THE ACT OF INSUBORDINATION
Contrary to and in contempt of the President’s directive, the EGM of 15th October, 2026, chaired by the Vice-Chairman of NBA Owerri Branch after the Branch Chairman, Dr. Mazi Udegbulem rescued himself from the meeting resolved to:

“3. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PARALLEL COMMITTEE IS THE COMPLAINANT AND IS BIASED

The parallel committee is chaired by Sir Chidi B. Nworka, Esq. He is:

(a) The convener and signatory to the Notice of EGM published by Chinedu Agu on 13th October on all NBA platforms, signing “for and on behalf of the 183 Requisitionists”. He is, therefore, the accuser who has made himself judge, violating Nemo judex in causa sua
(b) He has, prior to his purported appointment, publicly prejudged me as Branch Chairman and the subject matter in serial publications on the official NBA Owerri Branch 1 WhatsApp platform:

A man who has publicly called his colleague a thief, fraudster, and obstructer of justice can not sit in judgment over him. This violates Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution and the rule in LPDC v. Fawehinmi.