By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dismissed claims that $2,000 was shared among some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) as an attendance fee during its engagement in Maiduguri, Borno State.
NBA Denies $2,000 Attendance Fee Allegation in Maiduguri
The Nigerian Bar Association on Tuesday denied allegations that it shared $2,000 with some Senior Advocates of Nigeria during its engagement in Maiduguri. The association addressed the claim following reports alleging financial inducement at the event. The NBA said the allegation targeted its leadership’s integrity. It insisted no such payment occurred at any point.
Highly placed sources at the NBA national secretariat clarified that no funds meant for the association were distributed to any category of members. These include SANs, branch officers, statutory National Executive Committee members, and young lawyers.
One source stated that the association neither received nor approved any such payment. Furthermore, the source stressed that no documentary evidence shows that the Borno State government paid $2,000 to any group on behalf of the NBA.
No Evidence of Payment, Says NBA
According to the secretariat, no payment voucher, disbursement schedule, or official beneficiary list exists. In addition, no budgetary provision supports the alleged transaction.
The source explained that a review of the association’s financial records showed no trace of the alleged payment. The accounts revealed no unusual inflow or distribution linked to the Maiduguri event.
“No money accruable to the NBA was taken by any member of the Inner Bar or any officer,” the source said. “The financial records remain clear and verifiable.”
Governor Did Not Announce Any Gift
Addressing speculation surrounding the NEC meeting, the source confirmed that the state governor attended only the cocktail reception. However, he did not address the gathering or make any financial presentation.
The source added that the governor was on leave at the time. Therefore, he made no announcement or declaration of any monetary gift to members of the Bar.
NBA Urges Proof, Not Speculation
The secretariat emphasised that serious allegations require verifiable evidence. It noted that claims involving public funds can be tested through formal inquiries or requests under the Freedom of Information Act.
However, no such proof has surfaced. Instead, the association observed that insinuations have circulated without evidentiary backing.
“The integrity of the Bar cannot be impeached based on conjecture,” the source stated. “Allegations must rely on facts, not repetition or political convenience.”
In conclusion, the NBA maintained that it authorised no $2,000 payment to SANs or any members in Maiduguri. It described the claim as baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.
