President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), don raise serious concern over judicial corruption, warning say e dey threaten democracy and social justice as Nigeria prepare for 2027 general elections.
Osigwe speak during 17th Ralph Opara Memorial Lecture for Enugu on February 13, where theme of the event be “Judicial Corruption in Nigeria: A Menace to Democracy and Social Justice.”
According to am, democracy fit only survive where rule of law dey respected. He warn say once courts begin protect corrupt people or persecute political opponents, elections go lose meaning and citizens go lose faith for government.
He compare corrupt judge to dangerous criminal, saying such judge fit destroy moral foundation of society and cause serious damage to individuals and the nation.
Billions Lost To Bribery
Osigwe quote 2024 survey by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and National Bureau of Statistics(NBS), wey reveal say Nigerian public officials collect about ₦721bn cash bribes in 2023, with judges ranking among top recipients.
He also reference report from Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), wey estimate say ₦9.4bn involve in bribery for justice sector between 2018 and 2020. Lawyers and litigants reportedly be major bribe-givers.
According to Osigwe, when court rulings dey influenced by “envelopes instead of evidence,” judiciary no go remain last hope of common man but go turn refuge for powerful elites.
Reform Efforts And Internal Dispute
NBA Anti-Corruption Committee don sign Memorandum of Understanding with ICPC to strengthen enforcement and prevent unethical conduct within legal profession.
However, Osigwe comments spark debate inside legal community. Some lawyers accuse am of making sweeping statements, while others praise am for speaking hard truth.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Muritala Abdul-Rasheed, criticise the remarks, saying NBA president should not publicly tarnish the profession he leads.
Ongoing High-Profile Cases
Osigwe concerns also align with ongoing cases involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami(SAN); former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele; and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
As of early 2026, Malami, his wife and son dey face trial over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering case, with court ordering interim forfeiture of properties worth over ₦212bn.
Observers say judiciary handling of politically sensitive cases, including allegations of delayed trials and conflicting rulings, don put Nigeria justice system under intense public scrutiny.
With 2027 elections drawing closer, stakeholders dey call for stronger reforms to restore public confidence and protect integrity of the courts.
