El-Rufai alleges widespread corruption in judiciary, calls for urgent reforms
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has accused the Nigerian judiciary of rampant corruption, claiming that justice in the country is often skewed in favour of the wealthy and powerful.
Speaking on Monday at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Law Week in Abuja, el-Rufai said public confidence in the judicial system has eroded due to delayed rulings, biased judgments, and procedural inefficiencies.
He criticized the growing use of ex parte orders in political cases and accused some lawyers of manipulating the courts for political advantage. According to him, Nigeria now suffers from a clear disconnect between the law and justice.
El-Rufai also took aim at the National Judicial Council (NJC), accusing it of failing to discipline erring judges and allowing inconsistent rulings and opaque judicial appointments to thrive.
He stated that the perception of judicial corruption has become widespread and mainstream, saying the NJC itself now requires urgent reform.
Highlighting the shift in public perception, el-Rufai noted that judges were once respected and revered but are now openly disrespected and even assaulted by citizens.
He urged legal practitioners to reflect on their role in safeguarding justice, asking whether the scales of justice still represent fairness or now serve executive interests.
