Senior Advocate Challenges Leadership of Nigerian Bar Association, Seeks Resignation of President Afam Osigwe Over Payment Dispute

A senior Nigerian lawyer has called for the resignation of the president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, following allegations surrounding undisclosed foreign-currency payments linked to a recent executive meeting.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Muritala Abdul‑Rasheed, alleged that selected participants at a National Executive Committee gathering held in Maiduguri received dollar payments, raising concerns about accountability and compliance with the association’s financial rules. He argued that such transactions should have been openly declared and properly documented.

He further warned that acceptance of external funding without full disclosure could weaken confidence in the association’s leadership and damage the credibility of the legal profession. He urged beneficiaries of the reported payments to refund the money and asked senior legal bodies to review the matter.

In response to the controversy, supporters of the NBA president insist that no personal wrongdoing occurred and maintain that the association’s finances follow due process. They describe the resignation demand as politically driven and not reflective of the full facts.