The Nigerian Bar Association has publicly rejected claims that it distributed a payment of $2,000 to some Senior Advocates of Nigeria as an “attendance fee” during a recent engagement in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The Bar said it did not authorise or make any payment to SANs or other members in connection with the event. It described circulating reports about the alleged payment as without factual basis.

According to sources at the NBA national secretariat, no Association funds were distributed to any members, including SANs, branch officers, members of the National Executive Committee, or young lawyers during the engagement. The Bar said its financial records show no such transaction.

One official at the secretariat stated, “The association neither received nor authorised the distribution of any such sum,” adding that there is no evidence that the Borno State Government paid $2,000 on behalf of the NBA.

The statement from the NBA noted there is no payment voucher, government disbursement schedule, list of beneficiaries, or identifiable budgetary entry supporting the claim.

The source emphasised that the Bar’s account review found no transaction reflecting the alleged payment.

The NBA also said that no funds accruable to the Association were taken by any member of the Inner Bar or any officer of the Association. The secretariat reiterated that its financial records are clear on this point.

The Bar addressed reports circulating on social media by stating that claims of financial gifts, disbursements, or payments lack documentary support.

It said the governor of Borno State, who reportedly attended a reception linked to the association’s National Executive Committee meeting, did not make any monetary presentation to members.

The NBA emphasised that serious allegations require equally serious proof and that claims of public fund disbursement can be verified through formal channels, such as Freedom of Information requests or official inquiries. It said no such evidence has been produced.