By Lukman Olabiyi
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has highlighted bribery, nepotism, and bias as key factors eroding the fairness and credibility of Nigeria’s justice system.
He stressed that when judges accept bribes, make decisions based on personal interests, or yield to political or social pressures, it severely undermines the rule of law.
Fagbemi made these remarks at The Gavel International Annual Lecture 2024, themed “The Judiciary as the Last Hope of the Common Man: Media and Legal Perspectives,” held in Lagos over the weekend.
The AGF who was represented by Prof. Olukayode Olatoke, emphasized that although the judiciary is meant to be an impartial body, it is not immune to corruption.
These corrupt practices, he said, damage public trust in the system.
“The presence of corruption within the judiciary fosters a perception of a rigged system, particularly for the common man who struggles to access justice,” Fagbemi explained.
While acknowledging the progress made, the AGF emphasized the need for further efforts, stating that with collaboration from the judiciary, executive, media, and citizens, a Nigeria can be built where every individual, regardless of their status, can find justice, hope, and dignity.
Fagbemi also reiterated that justice sector reforms have been a key focus of his work in the Ministry of Justice, with an emphasis on improving the efficiency, independence, and accessibility of the judiciary.
Dele Adesina (SAN), the former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the event’s lecturer, affirmed his commitment to defending and advancing the judiciary.
He noted that an efficient and effective justice system is crucial in fostering confidence among both local and foreign investors, emphasizing that the judiciary has no alternative, its absence would lead to anarchy, which no one desires.
Adesina also cautioned the media, stressing that while they have a duty to hold the government accountable, they must refrain from making statements that could prejudice a fair trial.
Anything that erodes public confidence in the judiciary, he said, harms the judicial process.
The event’s chairman, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, called on Nigerian lawyers and the judiciary to take a leading role in the country’s transformation, urging them to uphold the rule of law with boldness and integrity.
He challenged legal professionals to propose dynamic solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, warning against empty rhetoric.
In his opening remarks, Mustapha Ogunsakin, the publisher of Gavel International, noted that the Nigerian judiciary and justice system have long been the subject of public scrutiny and criticism.