NBA Strips Abdulrasheed Maina’s of Patron Status Over N2bn Conviction

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has revoked the Grand Patron title recently conferred on Abdulrasheed Maina by its Garki Branch in Abuja, citing his prior conviction for money laundering of over N2 billion.

The decision, announced by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, came amid widespread criticism that the appointment undermined the integrity of the legal profession. The association described the conferral of such an honorary position on a convicted fraudster as a mockery of the rule of law and a threat to the NBA’s commitment to upholding professional ethics. Maina, the former Chairman of the now-defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), was convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja for diverting more than N2 billion in pension funds. His eight-year sentence was later upheld by the Court of Appeal. Reports indicate that he has since completed his prison term at Kuje Correctional Centre and returned to public attention. The NBA has warned that disciplinary action will be taken against branch officials who were involved in endorsing or publicizing the appointment. The association stressed that its members should refrain from promoting public opinion in favor of individuals with serious corruption convictions. The reversal follows a series of controversial statements by Maina after his release, in which he accused former officials, including ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, of greater financial misconduct. The NBA’s action underscores its commitment to integrity, accountability, and the fight against corruption in Nigeria’s legal system, sending a strong message about the standards expected of those associated with the profession.