From Allafrica · · 1m 30s
Nigerian Courts Must Stop Becoming Market Stalls
Retired Justice Augie warns Nigerian courts are eroding public trust through corruption and delays.
In brief
Retired Justice Augie warns Nigerian courts are eroding public trust through corruption and delays. Retired Justice Augie urges Nigerian courts to stop corruption and delays to rebuild public trust in the justice system. Originally reported by Allafrica.
Retired Justice Augie's Warning
Retired Supreme Court Justice Amina Adamu Augie warns corruption in Nigeria's judiciary erodes public trust in courts.
“The third, which I will not dress up, is corruption. Where it exists on the Bench, at the Bar, or in the Registry, it poisons everything by turning the one place that a citizen should find impartiality into one more market stall.”
Corruption's Impact on Courts
Corrupt practices among judges, lawyers, and court officials have weakened justice system credibility and public perception.
“Have we kept faith with them? In part, YES, in part, NO. Public trust has paid the price. The public today is quick to believe the worst of lawyers, and sorry to say, not always without cause.”
Call for Discipline
Augie demands practitioners found guilty of misconduct be punished regardless of seniority or influence.
“Restoring that trust is not a matter of better public relations. It is a matter of conduct and a profession willing to discipline its own, without fear or favor, no matter how senior the offender may be in the legal profession.”
Systemic Challenges
Corruption, political interference, inadequate funding, and delays are key challenges facing Nigeria's judiciary.
“A Judiciary that must beg the executive for a Courtroom roof, vehicles, or even the Judges' entitlements is not fully free; financial autonomy for the Courts is not a perk for Justices and Judges, but a guarantee for litigants.”
Delay as Chronic Disease
Court delays are described as the 'chronic disease' of Nigeria's justice system, making litigation inaccessible.
“She described delay as the "chronic disease" of the country's justice system and said it had weakened public confidence in the courts.”
Appeals Overload
Supreme Court burdened by excessive appeals, including cases that should be resolved at lower courts.
“She recalled an appeal concerning the burning of 12 goats that eventually reached the supreme court, despite the enormous workload already confronting the court.”
Constitutional Reforms Needed
Constitutional amendments required to narrow cases that can be appealed to the Supreme Court.
“According to her, constitutional amendments were needed to narrow the categories of cases that could be taken to the apex court.”
Non-Compliance with Court Orders
Government authorities repeatedly fail to comply with court orders, weakening judicial authority.
“Augie also condemned the repeated failure of government authorities to comply with court orders. She cited the prolonged detention of former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and Islamic Movement leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, despite judicial directives ordering their release.”
Public Trust Decline
Public trust in courts has declined as corruption and delays become widespread.
“Public trust has paid the price. The public today is quick to believe the worst of lawyers, and sorry to say, not always without cause.”
Nigeria's Rule of Law Ranking
Nigeria ranks 120th out of 143 countries in the 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index.
“She referred to nigeria's ranking of 120th out of 143 countries in the 2025 world justice project rule of law index, describing the position as an uncomfortable indication of the country's institutional weaknesses.”
Call for Reforms
Augie urges comprehensive reforms to strengthen judicial independence and improve access to justice.
“Augie called for comprehensive reforms to strengthen judicial independence, improve access to justice, modernise case management, reduce delays and restore ethical standards across the legal profession.”
In short
Retired Justice Augie urges Nigerian courts to stop corruption and delays to rebuild public trust in the justice system.