‘I Was Misquoted’ — NBA President Osigwe Clears Air on Bribery Claim

‘I Was Misquoted’ — NBA President Osigwe Clears Air on Bribery Claim

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has firmly denied reports alleging that he described judges and lawyers as the “worst bribe takers”, saying the claims are false, misleading and taken out of context.

The denial followed widespread backlash within the legal community after statements attributed to the NBA President circulated on social media and some online platforms, sparking outrage among lawyers, judges and senior members of the Bar.

In a clarification issued on Monday, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said he never made such a sweeping statement against members of the judiciary or the legal profession, stressing that his remarks were part of a broader discourse on corruption in Nigeria, not an attack on judges or lawyers.

According to him, the discussion focused on systemic corruption across various sectors and the urgent need for institutional reforms, accountability and ethical conduct in both public and private life.

READ ALSO:

• Obi, Civil Groups Lead Abuja Protest Against Senate’s Electoral Act Position
• Man Blindfolded, Removed From Lagos Court by Osun Officers, Faces Same Charges
• Timi Frank Petitions Trump Over Threats to Nigeria’s 2027 Elections

“At no point did I describe judges or lawyers as the worst bribe takers. That narrative is inaccurate and does not reflect my views or the position of the Nigerian Bar Association,” Osigwe said.

The controversy had drawn sharp reactions from senior advocates, judicial officers and legal commentators, many of whom warned that such remarks—if correctly reported—could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and damage the credibility of the justice system.

Reaffirming the NBA’s stance, Osigwe said the association remains committed to judicial integrity, rule of law, and ethical discipline, adding that the Bar continues to support reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability within the justice sector.

He also urged the media and the public to verify statements within proper context, cautioning that misrepresentation of sensitive issues could create unnecessary tension within the legal profession and erode trust in democratic institutions.

While the clarification has eased some concerns, the incident has reignited debate around corruption in the judiciary, legal ethics, and the role of professional bodies in addressing misconduct without damaging institutional credibility.

‘I Was Misquoted’ — NBA President Osigwe Clears Air on Bribery Claim