Lawyer Petitions Ex-NBA Oleh Branch Chairman To EFCC Over Alleged Diversion Of Association Funds And Building Materials

Rockson Igelige, a Delta State-born entertainment lawyer, has filed a formal petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Akpowowo Theophilus Aniko, the former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oleh Branch. Igelige has accused Aniko of fraudulently diverting building materials and misappropriating funds belonging to the NBA branch.
The petition, titled “A Case of Mismanagement of Funds, Fraudulent Conversion, and Diversion of Building Materials Amounting to Millions of Naira Belonging to the Nigerian Bar Association, Oleh Branch by Mr. A. T. Aniko Esq.,” was signed by Igelige and submitted to the EFCC. In the petition, Igelige alleged that the misappropriation was uncovered through the association’s financial audit report.
According to the petition, Aniko served as the chairman of the NBA Oleh Branch from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022. During his tenure, a financial report prepared by the branch’s treasurer, Barr. Gold Iteku, revealed significant mismanagement, illegal conversion, and diversion of funds and properties belonging to the NBA Oleh Branch.
Igelige stated that Aniko was given nearly a year to account for the funds and make necessary refunds, but no action was taken. The petition reads:
“Mr. Akpowowo Theophilus Aniko (also addressed as A.T. Aniko Esq.) was the NBA Oleh Branch chairman from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022. During this period, it was found out from the financial report given by the Treasurer, Barr. Gold Iteku, that A.T. Aniko committed so much mismanagement, illegal conversion, and diversion of funds and properties belonging to the NBA Oleh Branch.
“Several meetings have been called for proper accounting, but the said A.T. Aniko refused to refund the said funds and building materials belonging to the NBA Oleh Branch, hence this petition.”
Igelige also named executive members of the NBA Oleh Branch, including Magdalene Ogorure and Faith Onyonyeworna, who he said are available to testify in the matter. The petition highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the need for accountability within the association.
At the time of filing this report, all attempts to reach the former NBA chairman for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was switched off. Aniko has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
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