LAWYER PROBES SUPREME COURT, NJC FINANCES, VOWS LAWSUIT

Activist-lawyer, Chief Malcolm Omirhobo has vowed to drag the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola to court if the apex court jurist fails to provide him with information on Supreme Court’s finances.

In a Pre-Action Notice to Justice Ariwoola, the activist stated that a similar notice to retired Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammad met a brick wall.

According to another Pre-Action Notice addressed to the Accountant-General of the Federation, Omirhobo noted that on the strength of the relevant sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and via his letter dated 22/6/2022, his law firm had written to the National Judicial Council (NJC) also demanding details on its finances.

In the notices made available to CITY LAWYER, the activist-lawyer is seeking information on the finances of the apex court and the National Judicial Council pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act.

He wrote: “In addition to the above, we also humbly request that you furnish us with a copy of the letter of the Justices of the Supreme Court to your predecessor-in-title accusing him of financial impropriety, corruption, mal-administration, lack of transparency, inclusivity and accountability which is in the public domain.”

Urging the apex court helmsman to furnish him with certified true copies of the documents or direct any designated official to supply the documents, Ormihobo wrote: “TAKE NOTICE, My Lord, that in the event of any delay or refusal to disclose the information within 7-days from the date of your receipt of this request, we shall be compelled to take lawful and necessary steps to compel you to disclose the information in accordance with Section 20 and other provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.”

Below are the full texts of the letters.

MALCOLM OMIRHOBO & CO.
No. 121, Okota Road, Isolo, P.O. Box 7215, Ikeja, Lagos.
Tel: 0803-307-2453,
E-mail: omirhobo@yahoo.com

12th September, 2022

The Chief Justice of Nigeria
Supreme Court Complex
Three Arms-Zone
Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja.

Your Lordship,

NOTICE ON APPLICATION BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, 2011 FOR THE CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES OF CERTAIN PUBLIC DOCUMENTS

Our letter in respect of the above subject matter dated 22/6/2022 (copy enclosed herewith) refers.

We humbly wish to bring to your notice that the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Mohammed Tanko, (your predecessor-in-title) did not furnish us with the information we requested of him via our afore-mentioned letter before he resigned from office. Consequently, we hereby humbly request that you as his successor-in-office furnish us with the request in our said letter to wit:

(1) Proof of receipt of the total funds disbursed to the Chief
Justice of Nigeria as the head of the Supreme Court from the National Judicial Council from 1st day of January 2019 to date.

(2) The Financial Statement of Accounts of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from the 1st day of January 2019 to date.

(3) Proof of the total expenditure of the Supreme Court for the period of 1st January 2019 to date including List of capital projects of the Supreme Court of Nigeria within this period.

(4) Proof of payment vouchers for each project mentioned above as well as the contract agreement.

(5) The total amount realized from internally General Revenue within the period under request and proof of expenditure; Salary payment voucher of justices of the Supreme Court and non-judicial staff; and Salary payment voucher and other emoluments of the justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and non-judicial staff.

In addition to the above, we also humbly request that you furnish us with a copy of the letter of the Justices of the Supreme Court to your predecessor-in-title accusing him of financial impropriety, corruption, mal-administration, lack of transparency, inclusivity and accountability which is in the public domain.

We urge you, sir to furnish us with Certified True Copies of the aforesaid documents, or in the alternative direct any designated official or appropriate authority at the Supreme Court in Nigeria to supply us with same.

TAKE NOTICE, My Lord, that in the event of any delay or refusal to disclose the information within 7-days from the date of your receipt of this request, we shall be compelled to take lawful and necessary steps to compel you to disclose the information in accordance with Section 20 and other provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

We undertake to bear the financial cost of making the requested information available to us in line with Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

In anticipation of your kind and positive response to this request, please accept the assurances of our esteemed regards.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,
FOR: MALCOLM OMIRHOBO & CO.

CHIEF MALCOLM EMOKINIOVO OMIRHOBO

Legal practitioners…………………………………………..…
Chief Malcolm Omirhobo B.Sc,Econs,Admin,LLB, BL, Tejumade Sijuade LLB,BL, A. J. Beredugo LLB,BL,LLM Sergius Emeto LLB,BL,I.C Amina LLB,BL, Jacinta Ogbedeleto LLB,BL

MALCOLM OMIRHOBO & CO.
No. 121, Okota Road, Isolo, P.O. Box 7215, Ikeja, Lagos.
Tel: 0803-307-2453,
E-mail: omirhobo@yahoo.com

12th September, 2022

The Auditor General
Audit House
Plot 273, Samuel Ademulegun Street
Central Business District (CBD)
P.M.B. 128, Garki-Abuja
Federal Capital Territory
Abuja.

Dear Sir,

APPLICATION BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, 2011 FOR THE CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES OF CERTAIN PUBLIC DOCUMENTS.

We are a firm of Attorneys and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who are passionate about good governance and proper administration at all levels and most particularly within the judicature.

On the strength of the relevant sections of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, via our letter dated 22/6/2022, a copy enclosed herewith, we requested from the National Judicial Council the Certified True Copies of the following information as they relate to public documents within its custody to wit:

1) The receipts of the amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation paid directly to the National Judicial Council from the 1st day of January 2019 to date.

(2) The Proof of disbursement of funds by the National Judicial Council to the heads of the courts established for the Federation and the State under section 6 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (As Amended) from the 1st day of January 2019 to date.

Legal practitioners…………………………………………..…
Chief Malcolm Omirhobo B.Sc,Econs,Admin,LLB, BL, Tejumade Sijuade LLB,BL, A.J.Beredugo LLB,BL,LLM Sergius Emeto LLB,BL,I.C Amina LLB,BL, Jacinta Ogbedeleto LLB,BL Peter N. Okoroani LLB, BL, Franca O. Abubokhale, LLB, BL

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AGC RIOT PROBE: C’TE CALLS FOR MEMORANDA

PRESS RELEASE

CALL FOR USEFUL INFORMATION

Dear Distinguished Colleagues,

This is to inform you that the NBA Conference Incident Investigation Committee (NBA-CIIC) has commenced an investigation into the incident of 23rd August, 2022, during the distribution of conference materials at the just concluded Annual General Conference.

We are calling on members of the NBA and the general public with useful information that may aid in the investigation to contact the NBA-CIIC through: 08087905717; 08033452825; and ciic@nigerianbar.org.ng.

Thank you.

Fasakin Oyindamola C.
Secretary CIIC

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AGC BAGS: C’TE STARTS PROBE, INVITES MEMO FROM LAWYERS

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference Incident Investigation Committee (NBA-CIIC) has commenced probe of the invasion of the centre where conference materials for the recent Annual General Conference were being distributed.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, the committee urged NBA members and the general public with useful information that may aid in the investigation “to contact the NBA-CIIC through: 08087905717; 08033452825; ciic@nigerianbar.org.ng.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN had during a virtual ceremony inaugurated the committee chaired by Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapohunda SAN.

Below is the full text of the statement.

CALL FOR USEFUL INFORMATION

Dear Distinguished Colleagues,

This is to inform you that that the NBA Conference Incident Investigation Committee (NBA-CIIC) has commenced an investigation into the incident of 23rd August, 2022, during the distribution of conference materials at the just concluded Annual General Conference.

Members of the NBA and the general public with useful information that may aid the investigation are requested to contact the NBA-CIIC through: 08087905717; 08033452825; ciic@nigerianbar.org.ng.

Thank you.

Akorede Habeeb Lawal
National Publicity Secretary

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LAGOS JUDICIARY PROBES OFFICERS OVER ARBITRARY FEES

The Lagos State Judiciary has said that it is currently investigating a report of professional misconduct and extortion among its staff

CITY LAWYER had republished an investigative report where officers in some  Lagos courts were caught demanding arbitrary fees from an under-cover journalist.

But a statement issued by the Ag. Chief Registrar, T. A. Elias noted that the matter is being investigated and the officers involved “are being put through the necessary process for the appropriate disciplinary measures.”

The statement reads:

“The Lagos State Judiciary is aware of the trending online news of unprofessional conduct by some officers reported to be in the habit of extorting money from members of the public.

“It is important to state unequivocally that the Lagos State Judiciary condemns such abhorrent behaviour if confirmed to be true. There are internal investigative and disciplinary mechanisms usually deployed as part of our management system and such have been promptly activated in this particular circumstance.

“It should be noted that the Lagos State Judiciary just like any other organization may have errant officers who deviate from the laid down rules but what is important is that such errant officers are decisively dealt with after being given fair hearing.

“This office is currently investigating this reported incident and the officers involved are being put through the necessary process for the appropriate disciplinary measures.

“The General Public is hereby assured that the Lagos State Judiciary has zero tolerance for corruption and will swiftly and decisively deal with any of its Officers against whom such is proven.

“Thank you.”

The special investigative project was conducted by Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation (CNJF) in partnership with TheCable, supported by the MacArthur Foundation. 

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‘WE ARE NOT PROBING NJC SCRIBE,’ SAYS BODY OF BENCHERS

The Body of Benchers (BoB) has stated that it is not investigating the Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr. Ahmed Gambo Saleh for alleged payment to a contractor.

Citing a CITY LAWYER report on the issue, the BoB stated that “at no point did the Body of Benchers cause an investigation to be carried out against the Secretary of the National Judicial Council as reported,” adding that “Indeed the Body of Benchers does not have the jurisdiction to carry out such an investigation.”

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER and signed by its Secretary, Mr. Daniel Tela, the apex regulator of the legal profession added that “the statement to the effect that the Body of Benchers will, at its meeting slated for 29th September, 2022 discuss the report of a Committee on the subject is unfounded and incorrect.”

The full text of the statement reads:

RE: BODY OF BENCHERS PROBE NJC SCRIBE OVER N800M PAYMENT

The attention of the Body of Benchers has been drawn to an online publication by the CITY LAWYER alleging that the Body of Benchers is investigating the Secretary of the National Judicial Council, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq on payments made to a Contractor.

Consequently, I am directed to make necessary clarification to the effect that at no point did the Body of Benchers cause an investigation to be carried out against the Secretary of the National Judicial Council as reported. Indeed the Body of Benchers does not have the jurisdiction to carry out such an investigation.

Furthermore, the statement to the effect that the Body of Benchers will, at its meeting slated for 29th September, 2022 discuss the report of a Committee on the subject is unfounded and incorrect.

Thank you.

Signed:

Daniel M. Tela
Secretary, Body of Benchers

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‘I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH BENCHERS’ BUILDING PROJECT,’ SAYS NJC SCRIBE

The Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr. Ahmed Gambo Saleh has told CITY LAWYER that he has no connection whatsoever with the building of the recently commissioned national headquarters of the Body of Benchers (BoB).

CITY LAWYER had reported that a three-man panel was set up by the Body of Benchers to probe the allegation by former Court of Appeal President and Member of the BoB Building Committee, Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi concerning payment of N800 million to Boygues (now BGL Nigeria Limited) without following due process.

In a telephone conversation with CITY LAWYER, Saleh stated that he was not under any probe, adding that “I have absolutely nothing to do with the (Body of Benchers) project.”

Saleh stated that the NJC only made disbursement to the Body of Benchers in line with its approved budget by the National Assembly, adding that while the project was initially billed to cost N13 billion, it was pruned down through due diligence.

He noted that every court and judicial body prepares and defends its budget at the National Assembly, adding that “the project had its own personnel. I do not disburse money on projects. I am not a part of the project. I did not administer the project. I only disburse funds to courts and judicial bodies based on budgets approved by the National Assembly.”

In a veiled confirmation of the probe, Saleh told CITY LAWYER that a report on the investigation had been submitted to the Body of Benchers in plenary, adding that he was not indicted by the report.

He said that his travails were being orchestrated by a “sponsor.” He warned CITY LAWYER to either retract the report and apologise “or I will report you to LPDC or EFCC.” The apparently angry NJC scribe also said that he would not hesitate to explore a legal action in the matter.

Though the Secretary of Body of Benchers, Mr. Daniel Manasseh Tela said that he would get back to CITY LAWYER “with the facts” of the matter, a source who was at the BoB meeting told CITY LAWYER that the probe report generated serious controversy during deliberation in plenary, “especially as it related to conflict of interest regarding a member of the probe panel.”

CITY LAWYER gathered that the report determined that there was no case of culpability against any official, and was eventually adopted by the general meeting.

CITY LAWYER had reported that the Body of Benchers had on February 24, 2022 set up an investigative committee headed by Senator Mike Ajegbo SAN to investigate the disbursement of the N800 million. Other members of the probe panel are former Chief Judge of FCT High Court and current Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), Justice Ishaq Bello and Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN.

Saleh joined the Supreme Court in 2008 as a Special Assistant to the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Between 2010 and 2014, he was the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation Department). He was elevated to the position of Chief Registrar in 2014, until July 1, 2017 when he was appointed Secretary of the National Judicial Council.

He was recently accused of involvement in a N10 billion “bribe and federal racketeering” allegedly being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The report was promptly dismissed by NJC spokesman, Mr. Soji Oye who stated that the allegation was aimed to “smear the good image of Ahmed Gambo Saleh at all cost.”

According to Oye, “It is imperative for the members of the public to be aware that before his emergence as the secretary of the NJC, some forces who tried to scuttle his appointment as the secretary of the council have re-emerged with antics aimed at tarnishing his image and bringing his good name to disrepute.”

He said that “It is on record that these forces, in a bid to stop his emergence as the NJC Secretary after the interview to consider his appointment, came up with false allegations in the media alleging that he had diverted N2.2 billion from the Supreme Court from 2009 to 2016 on the day the council meeting was to hold.”

The NJC also dismissed the charges filed against Saleh by the Federal Government in November 2016, saying the case was withdrawn by the Attorney-General of the Federation because “the charges could not be substantiated”. It added that “It should be noted that there has never been a time when Mr. Saleh admitted committing any crime before anybody or law court.”

The NJC stated that “The sponsors of these malicious allegations believe they own the Judiciary and nobody can become anything within the Judiciary without their approval.

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EXCLUSIVE: BENCHERS PROBE NJC SCRIBE OVER N800M PAYMENT

The Body of Benchers (BoB) has set up a three-member committee to investigate the payment of about N800 million to a contractor by the Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr. Ahmed Gambo Saleh, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

Impeccable sources told CITY LAWYER that the probe was as a result of an “alarm” raised by former Court of Appeal President and Member of the BoB Building Committee, Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi concerning payment of the money to the contractor “without following due process.”

One of the sources told CITY LAWYER that the former Court of Appeal helmsman has a “prominent role in monitoring and payments.” The Building Committee is chaired by Mrs. Hairat Balogun, unanimously elected the first female Chairman of the Body of Benchers in 1998.

Appointed on February 24, 2022, the investigative panel is headed by Senator Mike Ajegbo SAN. Other members are former Chief Judge of FCT High Court and current Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), Justice Ishaq Bello and Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN.

The payment was made in respect of the Body of Benchers building which was funded by the NJC, with Saleh as the “Accounting Officer,” said the source.

CITY LAWYER gathered that a crisis of confidence may also be rocking the committee as a member of the investigative panel is alleged to be a Director in the beneficiary company.

There are strong indications that the committee’s report will be presented by the committee at the next meeting of the Body of Benchers scheduled for September 29, 2022.

CITY LAWYER was unable to reach the former Supreme Court Chief Registrar for comments, as repeated calls to his verified telephone number returned the message that the telephone was “switched off.” A text message to the telephone number did not receive any response at press time.

Saleh joined the Supreme Court in 2008 as a Special Assistant to the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Between 2010 and 2014, he was the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation Department). He was elevated to the position of Chief Registrar in 2014, until July 1, 2017 when he was appointed Secretary of the National Judicial Council.

He was recently accused of involvement in a N10 billion “bribe and federal racketeering” allegedly being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The report was however promptly dismissed by NJC spokesman, Mr. Soji Oye who stated that the allegation was aimed to “smear the good image of Ahmed Gambo Saleh at all cost.”

According to Oye, “It is imperative for the members of the public to be aware that before his emergence as the secretary of the NJC, some forces who tried to scuttle his appointment as the secretary of the council have re-emerged with antics aimed at tarnishing his image and bringing his good name to disrepute.”

He said that “It is on record that these forces, in a bid to stop his emergence as the NJC Secretary after the interview to consider his appointment, came up with false allegations in the media alleging that he had diverted N2.2 billion from the Supreme Court from 2009 to 2016 on the day the council meeting was to hold.”

The NJC also dismissed the charges filed against Saleh by the Federal Government in November 2016, saying the case was withdrawn by the Attorney-General of the Federation because “the charges could not be substantiated”. It added that “It should be noted that there has never been a time when Mr. Saleh admitted committing any crime before anybody or law court.”

The NJC stated that “The sponsors of these malicious allegations believe they own the Judiciary and nobody can become anything within the Judiciary without their approval.

“It is important to reiterate that there is no iota of credibility in the petition as they are not after the truth but are out to smear the good image of Ahmed Gambo Saleh at all cost.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) had, while speaking at a recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Justice Sector Summit in Abuja, taken a swipe at the Judiciary for lack of transparency and accountability, asking why the N104 billion provided for the Judiciary in the 2021 Budget was insufficient. He stated that the Executive was not in a position to answer “because their (judiciary’s) books are not open.”

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LPDC PROBE: EASTERN BAR FORUM ASKS OLANIPEKUN TO STEP ASIDE

The Eastern Bar Forum has asked the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN to step aside “to save that august institution and the legal profession further embarrassment and opprobrium.”

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the EBF Governing Council, Chief Uba Anene, the forum alleged that Olanipekun has “grave integrity issues hanging over his head.”

According to the influential forum, “The EBF also calls on the Chairman of the Body of Benchers to save that august institution and the legal profession further embarrassment and opprobrium by stepping aside while issues pertaining to his integrity and that of his eponymous office is being dealt with. There can be no better way to lead by example.”

It also urged the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State to reverse the imprisonment of fiery human rights lawyer, Mr. Inibehe Effiong.

The full statement reads:

IN THE MATTERS OF INIBEHE EFFIONG AND CHIEF WOLE OLANIPEKUN, SAN

It is not the best of times for the legal profession in Nigeria.

Yesterday, at a hastily relocated venue due to the pervading state of insecurity in Nigeria, 1507 candidates were admitted to the noble profession at a ceremony presided over by a Chairman of the Body of Benchers with grave integrity issues hanging over his head.

Yesterday also, east of the Niger, a learned presiding Chief Judge wielded the ultimate judicial hammer and clamped a learned colleague Inibehe Effiong into prison for daring to raise procedural issues in a politically sensitive case involving the Akwa Ibom State governor, in which her impartiality had been called to question by way of a properly filed and served application for recusal/transfer.

These incidents leave a sour taste in the mouth.

The EBF calls on the Honourable Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State to take another look at the matter, rescind her committal order immediately and transfer the pending case to another court so that justice may not only be done but also be seen to have been done.

The EBF also calls on the Chairman of the Body of Benchers to save that august institution and the legal profession further embarrassment and opprobrium by stepping aside while issues pertaining to his integrity and that of his eponymous office is being dealt with. There can be no better way to lead by example.

Chief Uba Anene
Chairman, EBF Governing Council.

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NBA LAGOS CONFIRMS EFCC PROBE OF PAST REGIME

The leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch has confirmed CITY LAWYER exclusive report that the immediate past branch administration is being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

CITY LAWYER had reported that the anti-graft agency had launched an unprecedented probe into the activities of the immediate past branch administration headed by senior lawyer, Mr. Yemi Akangbe.

Unimpeachable sources also told CITY LAWYER that three of the branch executives including the Branch Chairman, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna; Secretary, Ms. Nta Ekpiken and Treasurer, Mrs. Carol Obi had been grilled by EFCC operatives who demanded documentation on the previous regime’s activities following an anonymous petition against the administration.

Confirming the probe in a statement, Uwanna stated that the branch Executive Committee “is aware of an ongoing investigation by the EFCC regarding alleged procurement irregularities by the immediate past Branch Administration based on an anonymous petition.”

He also confirmed that the anti-graft agency had demanded documents relating to some transactions by the previous administration, saying: “Upon the EFCC’s request, we have made the records regarding all relevant procurement issues available to the EFCC.” He added that “We will continue to update members as events unfold.”

In a dramatic twist, the statement however described the CITY LAWYER report as “sensational,” adding that “the headline of the news report is misleading and casts aspersions on the image of the NBA Lagos Branch – an image that many have laboured so hard to build for over 60 years.”

A source within the Branch Executive Committee told CITY LAWYER that the grouse of the branch was that the report allegedly drew the current branch leadership into the debacle instead of singling out the immediate past regime as the administration on which EFCC’s searchlight is being beamed.

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EFCC PROBES NBA LAGOS BRANCH, GRILLS CHAIR, CONTRACTOR

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a massive probe into the activities of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, CITY LAWYER can exclusively report.

A source who is familiar with the unprecedented probe of Nigeria’s “Premier Bar” told CITY LAWYER that the focus of the extensive investigation is on the contracts and financial dealings of the immediate past branch administration.

Impeccable sources told CITY LAWYER that the current Branch Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer have been grilled by the anti-graft agency “following an anonymous petition against the immediate past administration of the branch.” The source said that the officers were interrogated by EFCC operatives and told to provide documentation on the transactions on which the anti-graft agency is beaming its searchlight.

A source also told CITY LAWYER that Fresible Company Limited, the branch ICT service provider has also been interrogated by EFCC operatives.

The source said that the anti-graft agency is putting a searchlight especially on contracts for the branch Bar Centre project as well as payments for website development, branch bus purchase and hybrid monthly meetings among others.

According to an Executive Committee member of the immediate past administration, “No expense was approved by the Executive Committee. The procurement process was non-existent, as there was hardly any bidding for the contracts. There were no memos for expenditures. There were issues of conflict of interest in some of the contracts. There were no checks and balances. Can you imagine that N150 million was paid for the Bar Centre project without any EXCO meeting held to discuss the contract and on the ground only that it was approved by the Building Committee. Barely two weeks to the end of our tenure, another N50 million was paid on the excuse that the ‘payment is due.’ The Branch domain name renewal was effected every 6 months instead of the standard one-year renewal period. A last-minute hefty N150,000 was paid for HD presentation on the Bar Centre project.”

Speaking on the branch accounts for the year-ended May 31, 2021, its auditors, Messrs Olu Aladejebi & Co. (Chartered Accountants) wrote: “We observed that some memos that was (sic) raised/written were having the authorized persons’ on them but were not signed especially the ones for the (Bar Centre) construction.”

It also stated that “At the close of business as at May 31st 2021, the branch’s cash and cash equivalent stood at ₦220,420,065. This shows a decrease of ₦145,599,135 from last year’s figure, which is a 40% decrease over last year’s result of ₦366,019,200. This is as a result of on going construction work on Bar Centre building at Lekki.”

But another ranking Executive Committee member in the immediate past administration dismissed the probe as futile, saying that nothing would come out of it. He told CITY LAWYER that there were “no suspicious financial dealings” during their tenure, adding that payments on the Bar Centre were approved by the Building Committee chaired by Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN. He argued that it was not the role of the Executive Committee to oversight standing committees, adding that such committees had their terms of reference approved by the general meeting and also made periodic reports to the general meeting.

He dismissed alleged financial infractions relating to the website development and virtual meetings, stating that such matters were handled by the ICT Committee. He noted that all financial queries raised by members at general meetings were satisfactorily resolved, adding that while the new branch bus had “fixing” challenges, a committee was set up to resolve the debacle.

On the departure of then Legal Adviser, Mr. Harry Ukaejiofor from the Executive Committee WhatsApp platform, he argued that it was based on an attempt to “overreach himself” than a principled and persistent disagreement over the financial dealings and procedural safeguards.

While the probe is being discussed in hushed tones among a few of the branch members who have become aware of the petition, the immediate past Branch Chairman, Mr. Yemi Akangbe is yet to speak on the matter.

NBA LAGOS AGM ANNUAL REPORT

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