El-Rufai Slams Nigerian Judiciary Over Corruption, Delayed Justice, and Loss of Public Trust
Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has launched a scathing critique of the Nigerian judiciary, warning that widespread corruption, procedural inefficiencies, and political manipulation are eroding public trust in the legal system. Speaking during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Law Week event in Bwari, Abuja, el-Rufai did not mince words as he decried what he termed the "weaponisation" of judicial processes, a trend he believes is distorting the true essence of justice in Nigeria.
This bold statement from the outspoken former governor comes at a time when Nigeria’s legal system is under intense public scrutiny, especially concerning issues around electoral disputes, controversial rulings, and a growing perception that justice is often served based on financial or political clout.
A Judiciary Under Siege: Delays, Bias, and Corruption
El-Rufai, who holds a law degree from the prestigious University of London, lamented the state of justice in Nigeria. According to him, justice in the country now appears to favour the rich, the powerful, and the politically connected, rather than being a refuge for the common man.
“In parallel, our judiciary, meant to be the bedrock of fairness and order, is under intense scrutiny,” el-Rufai stated. “Concerns about delayed justice, procedural inefficiencies, and in some cases, judicial compromise (to put the matter delicately), erode public confidence.”
His comments echo the frustrations of many Nigerians who see the courts not as a place to seek impartial redress but as institutions influenced by backdoor dealings and elite interests. The delays in delivering judgments—some cases dragging on for years—are especially worrisome, as they not only hinder justice but often serve as tools for silencing opposition or enabling corrupt practices.
Ex Parte Orders and Forum Shopping: Justice for Sale?
One of the most serious allegations made by the former governor was the increasing misuse of ex parte orders—legal decisions made without the presence or input of all involved parties. According to el-Rufai, these orders are frequently being manipulated to serve political interests rather than uphold justice.
“The growing perception that justice is for sale and available only to the rich and powerful would cause the perceptive observer to conclude that what Nigerian courts do is the administration of law and not the administration of justice,” he said.
El-Rufai also condemned the widespread practice of forum shopping, where lawyers deliberately file cases in courts where they expect favourable outcomes, regardless of the jurisdiction's relevance. This manipulation, he argued, has significantly eroded the ethical foundations of the judiciary and distanced it from its constitutional duty to be fair and unbiased.
Executive Influence and the Death of Judicial Independence
Perhaps most alarming was el-Rufai’s assertion that the Nigerian judiciary no longer operates independently. He painted a bleak picture of a legal system where outcomes are often determined not by legal principles or evidence, but by political affiliations and the preferences of the executive branch.
“There is now a seemingly unbridgeable gulf between law and justice in Nigeria,” he said. “Judicial outcomes often appear to reflect the preferences of the executive rather than impartial legal reasoning.”
This observation taps into a long-standing debate about the separation of powers in Nigeria, where many critics believe the judiciary has been reduced to a pawn in the hands of the executive and powerful political actors.
A Call for Introspection Within the Legal Profession
In his address to legal practitioners, el-Rufai urged them to reflect on the solemn responsibilities they carry in upholding justice and restoring the dignity of the legal system.
“The demand on you, as practitioners in the temple of justice, is a sober introspection as you contemplate whether indeed Justitia is blind and whether she holds the scales of justice in fine balance.”
His reference to Justitia, the Roman goddess of justice who is often depicted as blindfolded to signify impartiality, was a pointed reminder of the ideals the judiciary should strive to uphold.
National Judicial Council (NJC) in the Spotlight
El-Rufai did not spare the National Judicial Council (NJC) from his criticisms. He accused the NJC of failing in its constitutional mandate to oversee and discipline judges, pointing out several systemic issues, including opaque judicial appointments, inconsistent electoral rulings, and lenient punishment for erring judges.
“If we must be honest, we must admit that the perception of a high level of judicial corruption is now mainstream,” el-Rufai declared.
He argued that the NJC has lost credibility in the eyes of the public and is in desperate need of reform. According to him, the council has failed to maintain the sanctity and integrity of the judiciary, leading to a decline in public reverence for judges.
The Fall from Grace: Public Disrespect for Judges
The former governor concluded his address with a somber reflection on how the judiciary’s moral and ethical decline has altered public perception. He noted that judges, once held in high esteem, are now openly disrespected and even ridiculed by the public.
“Once upon a time, ordinary citizens tiptoed past the homes of judges. Not any longer. Now, judges are abused and maligned with almost reckless abandon. They are physically and mentally assaulted, sometimes roundly disrespected by the ordinary citizenry. How indeed are the mighty fallen.”
This decline, according to el-Rufai, is symptomatic of a deeper societal problem: the breakdown of trust in institutions. When those who are meant to uphold the law become its manipulators or enablers of injustice, the entire democratic system begins to crumble.
Why El-Rufai’s Comments Matter
El-Rufai’s remarks come at a critical time in Nigeria’s democratic journey. As the country grapples with economic challenges, insecurity, and political instability, the judiciary is one of the few institutions that should serve as a stabilizing force. However, with rising allegations of corruption, compromised rulings, and political interference, public confidence is dwindling rapidly.
The former governor’s bold criticisms have sparked fresh calls for judicial reform in Nigeria, a topic that is increasingly dominating public discourse. If Nigeria is to progress democratically and socially, stakeholders across the board—judges, lawyers, lawmakers, and civil society—must come together to reform and revitalize the justice system.
Final Thoughts
El-Rufai’s explosive remarks should not be dismissed as mere political rhetoric. They reflect the deep frustration and disenchantment many Nigerians feel toward the justice system. His speech is a call to action for all stakeholders in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape. Without sincere and systemic reform, the judiciary risks becoming a tool for oppression rather than a pillar of democracy.
At NaijaRush, we believe in holding institutions accountable and giving voice to pressing issues that affect everyday Nigerians. Stay with us as we continue to report on this developing story and others that shape the future of our nation.
