By Ade Iyamoye
Nigerian lawyers are sounding the alarm over deep-rooted corruption in the judiciary, blaming the nation’s flawed political system for fostering bias and eroding public trust.
At a recent forum in Abuja, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, acknowledged persistent allegations of corruption, judicial delays, and bias, warning that these issues threaten the judiciary’s credibility and weaken public confidence.
“Despite ongoing reforms, challenges remain. Allegations of corruption and inefficiency continue to undermine our authority,” the CJN stated, urging decisive action to restore faith in the legal system.
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, stressed the need for lawyers to uphold ethical standards, promising accountability for those who breach professional conduct.
Meanwhile, Abdul Balogun, SAN, and other legal experts highlighted that the judiciary is not immune to societal corruption but emphasized that legal safeguards exist to hold wrongdoers accountable.
Civil society leader, Eletu O., of the Public Accountability and Justice Initiative, warned that political interference has further damaged public trust, calling for the judiciary to “look inward and purge itself” to regain credibility.
With increasing calls for reform, stakeholders insist that restoring integrity within Nigeria’s judiciary is essential for safeguarding democracy and ensuring true justice.
