The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has publicly rejected claims that a payment of $2,000 was shared as an attendance fee with some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) during an engagement in Maiduguri, Borno State. The association said there is no evidence that such a payment was authorised or made.
The matter drew public attention after reports alleged that certain SANs received a $2,000 attendance fee connected with the NBA’s event in Maiduguri.
These reports raised questions about transparency and the use of funds during professional gatherings. In response, the NBA issued a formal statement to clarify its position.
Sources at the NBA national secretariat stated that no payment of $2,000 was made to any category of members during the Maiduguri engagement, including SANs, branch officers, members of the National Executive Committee, or young lawyers.
The association noted it neither received nor authorised the distribution of such a sum.
The NBA said no documentary proof exists showing that the Borno State government or any other entity paid $2,000 on behalf of the association to any group.
According to the NBA sources, there is no payment voucher, government schedule of disbursement, list of beneficiaries, or identifiable budgetary head supporting the alleged payment.
A review of the NBA’s accounts reportedly showed no transaction reflecting the alleged payment. The sources added that no NBA funds were diverted, misapplied, or shared at the event.
The NBA also addressed claims linked to the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting during the event. The association confirmed the state governor attended a cocktail reception but did not address the gathering, make any representation, or declare any financial gift.
The NBA’s statement aims to preserve the integrity of its leadership and reassure members and stakeholders that financial processes comply with internal controls.
By refuting the claims and underscoring the absence of evidence, the association sought to address concerns about financial propriety during professional functions.
For legal professionals and observers, the clarification reinforces the importance of documentary evidence in validating claims related to professional associations’ financial matters.
It also highlights procedural expectations for transparency in events involving professional bodies.
