The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International (TI), has expressed deep concern over the rising perception of corruption within Nigeria’s judiciary, warning that it undermines the country’s anti-corruption efforts, democratic foundations, and the rule of law.
In a statement signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the organization noted that recent events within the judicial sector have cast serious doubt on its credibility and independence.
Rafsanjani lamented that despite the tireless efforts of key law enforcement agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, many of these cases are being inexplicably struck out or dismissed—raising serious questions about judicial integrity.
“This worrisome trend not only discourages anti-corruption agencies but also emboldens corrupt elements within the system,” he said. “When the judiciary, which is meant to be the last hope of the common man, becomes a haven for impunity, then democracy is at grave risk.”
CISLAC called for urgent reforms to restore public trust in the judiciary, including greater transparency in judicial appointments, disciplinary measures against compromised judges, and more robust oversight by regulatory bodies.
The organization emphasized the need for a collective national response to address judicial corruption, urging all stakeholders—including the executive, legislature, civil society, and the legal community—to prioritize judicial accountability and integrity.
As Nigeria continues its fight against corruption, CISLAC reiterated that a credible and independent judiciary remains indispensable to achieving lasting change and upholding justice for all.