A dispute over leadership and legitimacy has erupted within Nigeria’s auctioneering industry as the Nigerian Auctioneers Association publicly accused an individual of fraudulently claiming to represent the organization during high profile auctions of assets forfeited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The allegations center on Benjamin Abhulimen Isibor, who the association says has been falsely presenting himself as its president and speaking on its behalf without authorization. The controversy comes at a critical time when the EFCC is conducting widespread electronic auctions of seized properties under heightened public scrutiny.
Alhaji Musa Kurra, whom the association identifies as its duly elected president, issued a stern warning on Thursday that Isibor holds no official position within the organization and lacks any mandate to speak for its members. According to the association’s statement, Kurra emerged victorious at the National Delegates Conference held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 28, 2023, and his election subsequently received court recognition. Any individual claiming to hold the presidency of the association does so unlawfully, the organization insisted, emphasizing that legal proceedings are currently underway at the National Industrial Court in Bauchi to address the alleged impersonation.
Beyond the internal leadership dispute, the association used the opportunity to reaffirm its strong support for the EFCC’s modernized approach to disposing of forfeited assets. Under the leadership of Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the anti corruption agency has implemented an electronic auction system that the auctioneers say has dramatically improved transparency and accountability. Members of the association have actively participated in EFCC auctions across Nigeria, and while some operational challenges surfaced during the initial rollout, collaborative engagement between the association and the commission led to constructive resolutions.
The digital auction platform represents a significant departure from traditional ods that were often criticized for lack of transparency and limited public access. By moving auctions online, the EFCC has broadened participation beyond a small circle of connected bidders and created a more competitive environment that the association believes delivers better value for money. Sharp practices that once plagued the disposal of government seized assets have been substantially reduced, according to the auctioneers’ professional body. Where deficiencies were identified in early phases of implementation, the association provided technical recommendations that the commission has since adopted to strengthen the process.
Government agencies, financial institutions, prospective bidders, and members of the public have been advised to disregard any statements issued by Isibor or others claiming unauthorized authority to speak for the Nigerian Auctioneers Association. Only auctioneers properly licensed and certified by the association are legally authorized to conduct public auctions in Nigeria, the organization stressed. To prevent future confusion and protect the integrity of the profession, the association has reported the alleged impersonation to relevant security and regulatory authorities for investigation. Media organizations have also been urged to verify the credentials of anyone purporting to represent the association by contacting its National Secretariat directly.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to recover and monetize assets seized from corruption cases, the credibility of the auction process becomes increasingly important to public confidence in anti graft initiatives. The dispute highlights vulnerabilities in professional representation and the potential for bad actors to exploit high value transactions for personal gain. Moving forward, stricter verification protocols and greater coordination between regulatory bos and professional associations will be essential to maintaining the integrity that electronic auction systems promise. How authorities handle this impersonation case may set important precedents for professional accountability across other sectors where legitimacy and authorization remain contested.
Leave a comment