Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chief Soronnadi A. Njoku has declined his appointment as Chairman of the committee constituted by the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, to investigate expenditure connected with funds released to the Branch by the Imo State Government.
Njoku communicated his decision in a letter dated September 29, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of NBA Owerri Branch.
The committee had been constituted following a Branch resolution and amid an ongoing controversy concerning the management of ₦100 million reportedly received by NBA Owerri as part of a wider intervention by the Imo State Government to NBA branches in the state.
The panel was initially announced with Njoku as Chairman and Okwara Adaugo as Secretary, alongside Goodluck Nwelue, K.M. Onyeama and Onwukaike Paschal.
Its mandate includes examining expenditure on projects undertaken by the Branch Executive Committee, obtaining explanations from persons connected with the transactions and presenting findings to the Branch for further consideration.
‘The Bar owns me’
Njoku disclosed that his consent had not been obtained before the appointment was publicly announced.
However, he made it clear that he took no offence at the lack of prior consultation, saying he regarded the appointment as recognition of the confidence reposed in him by the Bar.
He nevertheless said circumstances arising from a newly accepted external assignment meant he could not devote the necessary time to the NBA investigation.
His withdrawal does not challenge the establishment or mandate of the investigative committee.
Instead, it creates a practical need for the Branch to determine who will now lead the inquiry if it intends to continue with the investigation as constituted.
₦100m controversy continues
The development comes amid continuing disagreement within NBA Owerri over the use and accounting of the government intervention.
LegalLinkz previously reported that the controversy had triggered arguments over the attempted removal of Branch Chairman Dr. Mazi Udegbulem, including questions about whether the procedure initially adopted complied with the NBA Uniform Bye-Law. NigerianLaw Updates
Five financial members subsequently submitted a formal motion seeking his removal and requesting access to financial records.
Those allegations remain disputed and have not been established as findings against the Branch Chairman.
The continuing controversy therefore presents the Branch with two distinct questions: whether the funds were properly spent and whether internal processes for investigation, accountability and any proposed disciplinary action comply with the NBA’s governing rules.
Njoku’s withdrawal makes the independence and composition of the eventual investigative body even more important.
Related Stories
READ MORE: NBA Owerri Chairman Removal Sparks ₦100m Due Process Row
READ MORE: NBA President Begins Reconciliation Drive to Unite Bar
Source: TheNigeriaLawyer
