Nigeria’s Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Adebukola Kekere-Ekun, has today expressed her deep concern over the increasing levels of corruption and bias in the Nigerian judiciary. During a landmark speech at the National Judicial Conference, she emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to restore the credibility and integrity of the judicial system.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who has served as the CJN since 2024, made a passionate call for all stakeholders in the Nigerian judicial system to unite in the fight against corruption, highlighting that it poses a direct threat to justice and fairness. “The public perception of our courts has been gravely affected by incidents of corruption, favoritism, and bias,” she said. “We must take bold and decisive action to ensure that the judiciary is seen as an institution of impartiality, fairness, and accountability.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun called for enhanced measures to combat judicial corruption, including the establishment of an independent body to monitor the conduct of judges and other judicial personnel.
She emphasized the need for greater transparency in judicial proceedings, urging the adoption of technology to enable real-time monitoring of court cases and decisions. The CJN recommended that continuous professional development be mandated for judges and court officials to ensure they remain well-informed on legal advancements, ethics, and the evolving demands of justice.
Kekere-Ekun stressed the importance of maintaining and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary from external influence, whether political or otherwise, to ensure fair trials for all Nigerians. She further called for greater public awareness of judicial processes and legal rights, urging the public to demand accountability from those in the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun’s remarks come at a time when the Nigerian judiciary has faced increasing scrutiny due to allegations of corruption, bias, and inefficiency. Her comments resonate with the calls for justice sector reforms from various civil society groups, lawyers, and the general public.