NBA Chairman, Udegbulem Denies Embezzling N100m Imo Govt Largesse

By KACHY MADUKAEGO

Professor Mazi Udegbulem, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, Imo State, has refuted claims of misappropriation concerning the N100 million donated to the association by Governor Sen. Hope Uzodinma.

He clarified that the funds were allocated for infrastructure development and the welfare of the association.

Udegbulem provided this clarification during a press briefing on Monday at the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Owerri, where he presented a detailed breakdown of the expenditures.

He emphasized that the funds were not intended for distribution among members, as alleged by opposition parties.

The chairman stated that the money was deposited directly into the official bank account of the NBA Owerri Branch on August 24, 2026, and asserted that no portion of the funds was transferred to his personal account, contrary to accusations made by Barrister Chinedu Agu and others.

He further explained that prior to receiving the government support, the branch had an existing balance of N6,351,718, resulting in a total fund availability of N106,351,718.

Udegbulem noted that his actions and the allocation of the funds were guided by the best interests of the branch and its members, asserting that all expenditures were substantiated by bank records, invoices, receipts, payment vouchers, and other pertinent documents.

“In a letter dated August 10, 2026, we requested government assistance for the completion of our cloakroom at the Justice Oputa High Court Complex, the installation of solar panels and air conditioners at the Bar Centre, the procurement of coaster buses to facilitate transportation for members to branch activities, and the enrollment of members in the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Following this appeal, the state government approved N100 million in cash support and indicated that it would directly procure two coaster buses for the branch.

However, in the interest of peace, unity, and progress, and in compliance with the resolution of the September General Meeting, my leadership authorized the disbursement of N50,000 each to lawyers who participated in the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference (AGC). To date, 206 lawyers have received this payment, totaling N10.3 million, via bank transfers, with remaining beneficiaries to be compensated upon submission of their bank details.

According to Udegbulem, N42.188 million was allocated for logistics related to the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference, while N17.5 million was spent on the installation of a 32KVA solar power system at the Bar Centre. Additional expenditures included N5.418 million for eight air conditioners, N3.4 million for health insurance enrollment, N2.24 million for desktop computers and printers, and N2.5 million for a public address system and amplifier. Furthermore, N1.958 million was allocated for repairs and improvements at the Bar Centre, including doors, ceilings, and electrical wiring, while N1.93 million was used to procure 41 executive seats. The total expenditure amounted to N87,434,250, leaving a balance of N18,917,468 in the branch’s Fidelity Bank account as of October 15, 2026. These figures account for the N100 million government support and the branch’s opening balance of N6,351,718, and all relevant financial records are available for verification.

Regarding the ongoing investigation into the matter, Udegbulem noted that the national President had constituted a three-member investigative committee to examine the receipt and expenditure of the funds. He expressed concerns over the constitution of an additional five-member committee at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on October 15, 2026, to investigate the same financial transactions already under review by the national committee, describing this as questionable, unconstitutional, and an act of insubordination.

The chairman also stated that he had requested the national investigative committee to harmonize the two processes to prevent conflicting investigations and had formally raised concerns about potential bias.

Udegbulem reaffirmed his commitment to accountability, insisting that the funds were utilized judiciously for the benefit of the branch. He urged members and the public to disregard the allegations against him, which he characterized as a scheme by the opposition to undermine his hard-earned reputation.