Alleged Judiciary Corruption Takes Center Stage At NBA Enugu Law Week
Allegations of corruption within Nigeria’s judiciary dominated discussions at the 2024 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Enugu branch. Despite the event’s theme, “Good Governance and Socio-Economic Stability: The Imperative of the Rule of Law in Nigeria,” attendees at the Justice Innocent Umezulike Auditorium of the Enugu State High Court Complex shifted their focus to the troubling issue of corruption among lawyers and judges.
The event drew notable judicial figures, including Chief Judges of Enugu and Ebonyi States, Justices A.R. Ozoemena and Elvis Anagu Ngene, and other Enugu High Court Judges such as Justices H.O. Eya and Chinwike Ogbuabor. Senior lawyers, including Mrs. Justina Offia (SAN), Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN), and the state’s Attorney General, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, also participated.
Justice Peter Obiorah of the Court of Appeal (Abuja Division), in a paper presented on his behalf by Justice Eya, delivered a lecture titled, “Law Practice: The Lawyer in the Center of Judicial Corruption – Nagging Need for Practice Reforms.” He emphasized the critical role of lawyers in upholding ethical practices, stating that they must act honorably and free from deceit both professionally and personally.
Justice Obiorah acknowledged widespread allegations of corruption within the judiciary, including Nigeria’s highest courts. While he dismissed many allegations as baseless, he admitted there were instances of judicial misconduct, often facilitated by lawyers, particularly senior practitioners.
“In some cases, litigants urge their lawyers to establish contact with judges or magistrates with the intention of offering bribes,” he noted. Justice Obiorah called for reforms, including stricter ethical guidelines for lawyers and robust action by the National Judicial Council (NJC) against judicial misconduct.
Mrs. Justina Offia (SAN) expanded on the issue, citing examples of unethical behavior by lawyers, including attempts to manipulate court processes by making false allegations to disqualify judges.
NBA Enugu Chairman, Chief Venatus Odo, described the law week as a moment for reflection, urging lawyers to critically examine their roles in society and the integrity of their profession. He stressed that poor regulation poses a serious threat to the future of legal practice and governance.
Chairperson of the Law Week, Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN), highlighted the importance of access to justice in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering inclusive growth. However, she lamented that many Nigerians remain vulnerable due to poverty and marginalization, underscoring the need for systemic reforms to ensure justice is accessible to all.
The discussions at the NBA Enugu Law Week brought renewed urgency to addressing corruption in Nigeria’s judiciary. Attendees called for collective action by lawyers, judges, and regulatory bodies to restore public trust in the legal system and safeguard the rule of law.
