The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has denied allegations that it shared $2,000 with some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) as an attendance fee during its recent engagement in Maiduguri, describing the claim as false and without evidence.
In a statement issued by its National Secretariat, the association said it neither approved nor facilitated any such payment, stressing that the allegation unfairly questions the integrity of its leadership.
The secretariat maintained that there was no proof to support claims that the Borno State Government paid $2,000 to any group on behalf of the NBA.
It noted the absence of payment vouchers, disbursement schedules, beneficiary lists, or any identifiable budgetary provision linked to such a transaction.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe, also dismissed the claim, stating that no association funds were diverted, misapplied, or shared during the Maiduguri meeting.
According to him, a review of the association’s financial records showed no transaction reflecting the alleged payment.
He further clarified that although the state governor attended a cocktail reception held alongside the NEC meeting, there was no formal address or financial presentation at the event.
The NBA added that any allegation involving public funds could be verified through lawful procedures, including formal inquiries or requests under the Freedom of Information Act, noting that no evidence has so far been presented to substantiate the claims.
