The controversy surrounding the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, Prof. Mazi Udegbulem, has taken another dramatic turn following revelations that he was expelled from the prestigious Owerri Sports Club over a disciplinary incident involving the theft of plantains belonging to the club.
A four-page document containing the minutes of a general meeting of Owerri Sports Club, dated 29 January 2026, records the circumstances surrounding Udegbulem’s expulsion.
According to the document, the club president informed members that Udegbulem had been caught stealing plantains belonging to the club, fined ₦100,000 and subsequently suspended.
The minutes further state that although he paid the fine, he failed to tender the written apology required by the club.
Consequently, the matter was brought before the general house, where 28 out of 37 members voted in favour of his expulsion, which was pronounced to take immediate effect.
Checks reportedly conducted by this publication with members of the Owerri Sports Club leadership who served during the administration responsible for the disciplinary action confirmed that Udegbulem was expelled from the club following the incident.
Similarly, other members of Owerri Sports Club who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity corroborated the account of the disciplinary proceedings and the subsequent expulsion.
The confirmations lend further support to the account contained in the circulated meeting minutes.
The development has triggered fresh criticism from Stanley Chukwu, a member of NBA Owerri, who circulated the allegations while questioning Udegbulem’s continued leadership of the branch amid the controversy surrounding the ₦100 million received from the Imo State Government.
In a strongly worded statement, Mr. Chukwu declared:
“If Owerri Sport Club could be bold enough to deal with Mazi Udegbulem for stealing their plaintain, members of NBA Owerri branch whose 100 Million Naira Mazi shamelessly misappropriated must not relent in holding him to account.”
Stanley also challenged the chairman’s explanation of expenditure on the NBA Annual General Conference.
“Only a thief would justify or even make excuse for such a crazy fact like: we spent 42.1 Million Naira on AGC logistics,” he wrote.
Stanley questioned why other NBA branches in Imo State, which he claimed received similar government support, had not experienced comparable controversies.
He accused Udegbulem of failing to address members’ concerns satisfactorily and argued that leadership of the Bar should demand the highest standards of accountability.
In another scathing passage, Stanley stated:
“Electing Mazi to lead this branch was a regrettable mistake. Henceforth anybody who must lead the branch must be worthy in character.”
He urged members of the Owerri Bar to remain committed to accountability, insisting that the disciplinary action taken by Owerri Sports Club should prompt serious reflection within the NBA branch.
The latest revelations come as an investigative committee established by the NBA national leadership examines questions surrounding the receipt, management and disbursement of the ₦100 million provided by the Imo State Government.
Udegbulem has publicly denied financial misappropriation. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, he explained that approximately ₦42.18 million was spent on Annual General Conference logistics and maintained that the expenditures were properly accounted for.
The NBA national leadership has emphasised that the investigation does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing and that all concerned parties must be given a fair hearing.
The account of Udegbulem’s expulsion has received further support from members of the Owerri Sports Club administration that handled the disciplinary matter.
According to the newsroom’s reported verification, former officials confirmed that the club imposed disciplinary sanctions over the plantain incident and eventually expelled Udegbulem after he failed to tender the required written apology.
Members of the club who spoke on condition of anonymity also confirmed the expulsion.
The minutes record a vote of 28 out of 37 in favour of removing him from the club.
Udegbulem’s response to the specific Sports Club allegations was not available at the time of this report.
The controversy has intensified public scrutiny of the Owerri Bar leadership, with critics insisting that accountability and integrity must remain central to the administration of professional associations.
For Stanley and other members demanding answers, the issue goes beyond the alleged removal of plantains from a sports club. It raises broader questions about the character and conduct expected of those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
As the NBA investigative committee continues its work, attention remains focused on whether the lingering controversies will be resolved through transparent proceedings and findings supported by evidence.
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