Nigerian Bar Association Launches Probe into Allegations of Misconduct Against Academic and Legal Professionals

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has taken a proactive step by establishing an adhoc committee to investigate serious allegations of sexual assault against Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar. The committee, composed of prominent legal figures including NBA 1st Vice President Linda Rose Bala, Assistant General Secretary Daniel Kip, Chairperson of NBA Women’s Forum, and the Chairman of the NBA Calabar Branch, aims to impartially assess the veracity of the claims and determine the appropriate course of action.

In a recent statement issued by the NBA’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb Lawal, it was revealed that the decision to initiate the investigation was reached during the organization’s monthly meeting, chaired by NBA President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau and attended by all national officers.

Additionally, the NBA has also lodged formal petitions against other individuals whose actions have come under scrutiny. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Adamawa State, has been petitioned for his alleged involvement in the premature declaration of results during the supplementary 2023 gubernatorial election in the state. The third individual, known as “the Baddest lawyer” on social media and identified as Ifunanya Excel Grant from the Aba Branch, is facing complaints related to her social media activities, including sharing explicit content and videos of her smoking marijuana.

While these individuals have not been found guilty of professional misconduct as of yet, the NBA’s move to file petitions and conduct investigations underscores their commitment to upholding professional ethics within the legal community. The NBA President emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest standards of conduct and affirmed the association’s determination to eliminate any negative elements within the legal profession.

It is essential to note that any outcomes resulting from these investigations will be determined through a fair trial process by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee. The actions taken by the NBA reflect its ongoing efforts to ensure the integrity of the legal profession and to hold its members accountable for their behavior.