By Salihu Mohammed
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a stern warning to court support staff against engaging in unethical conduct that could compromise the integrity and essence of the nation’s justice delivery system.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, July 28, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the 2025 hybrid national workshop for legal research assistants, organized by the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that involvement in activities such as the leakage of judgments, soliciting bribes, or acting as intermediaries for corrupt litigants not only erodes the very foundation of justice but also significantly weakens public confidence in the system.
The three-day workshop, themed “Enhancing Judicial Efficiency Through Legal Research and Innovation,” aims to improve the capacity of legal research assistants, a role Justice Kekere-Ekun noted as crucial to the justice delivery process.
Represented by the NJI’s Director of Administration, Osmond Otobo, the CJN reminded the participants of their “dual ethical mandate that mirrors the high standards expected of judicial officers themselves.” She stressed that the core values of integrity, equality, decorum, and professional comportment, enshrined in the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers and the Code of Conduct for Court Employees, are directly applicable to their daily conduct.
“You hold a highly visible position of public trust, and it is imperative that your actions consistently reflect the prescribed standards designed to uphold the judiciary’s objectives and maintain public confidence in the administration of justice,” Justice Kekere-Ekun stated.
She further highlighted that as professionals admitted to the Bar, legal research assistants are fundamentally legal practitioners bound by the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners. This means their duties extend beyond assisting a Judge to encompass the broader ethical obligations of the legal profession.
“Any deviation from these stringent standards, whether under the various Codes or the Legal Practitioners Act, will not only compromise your professional standing but will also trigger applicable sanctions,” she warned. “Your adherence to these comprehensive ethical frameworks is non-negotiable and essential for the credibility of your role and the entire legal system.”
The CJN underscored the need for constant vigilance, stating, “While your diligent adherence to these ethical obligations will often go unnoticed in the daily flow of court operations, any breach, no matter how seemingly minor, will certainly draw significant and detrimental attention.” She emphasized that the public is increasingly critical, and any act of impropriety casts a dark shadow on the entire judicial system.
Earlier, the Administrator of the NJI, Justice Salisu Abdullahi (retired), explained that the workshop was part of ongoing efforts to improve the capacity of legal research assistants, given the growing complexity of today’s court system. Represented by the Director, Medical Services, Dr. John Onuchukwu, Justice Abdullahi noted that in an increasingly complex legal landscape, the role of Legal Research Assistants has evolved beyond mere information retrieval.
He added, “Indeed, your capacity to navigate, analyze, and synthesize legal information directly impacts the speed, quality, and fairness of justice delivery, thus positioning you as indispensable partners in the judicial process.” Justice Abdullahi urged the participants to not only master traditional aspects of legal research but also embrace innovative approaches and new tools to enhance their skills for the evolving demands of the Judiciary.
