Prof Cyril Ndifon: NBA Launches Investigation into Alleged Professional Misconduct  

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). in response to recent allegations of professional misconduct involving members of the legal community, has taken decisive measures to address the issue. In a statement released on Saturday, the NBA outlined its actions and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.

According to the statement the NBA has decided to launch an investigation into allegations of sexual assault against Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar. This move follows a resolution by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NBA during its recent monthly meeting. 

The meeting Presided over by NBA President Mr Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON SAN, was attended by all National Officers of the association. An ad-hoc committee, led by 1st Vice President, Mrs Linda Rose Bala, Assistant General Secretary Mr Daniel Kip, Chairperson of NBA Women’s Forum, and the Chairman of the NBA Calabar Branch, has been established to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against Prof. Ndifon.

Also in a related development, the NBA has addressed recent reports concerning the attempted bribery of Justice Flora Azinge of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Kano. 

The NBA, in its pursuit of transparency and accountability, has formally requested Justice Azinge to provide the association with further details regarding the allegations. This request, contained in a letter dated August 16, 2023, aims to facilitate a thorough investigation into the matter.

Moreover, the NBA’s commitment to upholding the highest professional standards within the legal community, is further demonstrated by the actions taken against certain members for unbecoming conduct. Following deliberations at a previous monthly meeting, the National Officers of the NBA have lodged petitions with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). These petitions target individuals whose actions have raised concerns about their adherence to the ethical standards of the profession.

Among those facing petitions are Mr Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Ifunanya Excel Grant, a young Lawyer from the Aba Branch known on social media as “the baddest Lawyer.” Mr Yunusa-Ari’s petition is rooted in allegations surrounding the declaration of the 2023 gubernatorial election result in Adamawa State, while Miss Ifunanya faces complaints related to her online behaviour, including explicit content and videos, as well as engaging in substance abuse.