A retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Amina Adamu Augie, has warned that corruption within Nigeria’s judiciary and legal profession is destroying public confidence in the justice system and turning courts from places of fairness into “market stalls” where judgments are bought and sold.
Augie spoke in Abuja as keynote speaker at the 40th anniversary of the Nigerian Law School Class of 1986, known as the “Centennial Class”. The event’s theme was “The Rule of Law and Justice Delivery — The Last 40 Years, Today and Tomorrow: Wither Nigeria?”
“Corruption Poisons Everything”
The retired jurist said corruption was not limited to one part of the system. Whether it exists on the Bench, at the Bar or in the court Registry, she said, it “poisons everything”.
She said some had turned courtrooms into market stalls for the sale of judgments, damaging both the credibility of the justice system and the image of the legal profession.
Augie stressed that winning back the public’s trust would take real change, not image management. “Restoring that trust is not a matter of better public relations,” she said.
Call for Self-Discipline and Financial Independence
The former Supreme Court justice called on lawyers and judges to reject corruption. She urged the legal profession to discipline its own members, whatever their seniority, insisting that no lawyer or judge should be treated as above the law.
She also raised concerns about political interference and poor funding, which she said leave the judiciary dependent on the executive arm of government. She called for real financial independence for the courts, saying: “Financial autonomy for the courts is not a perk for justices and judges, but a guarantee for litigants.”
Who Is Justice Amina Augie?
Amina Adamu Augie is one of Nigeria’s most respected jurists. She served on the Court of Appeal for many years before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2016. She retired from the apex court in 2023 on reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Her warning carries extra weight because it comes from someone who served at the very top of the judiciary.
Lawyers and Politicians React Ahead of 2027
Her comments have triggered strong reactions, with many linking them to the 2027 general elections, when courts and election tribunals are expected to decide many disputes.
Human rights lawyer Niyi Aborisade said a compromised judiciary could threaten the legitimacy of democratic institutions. He called for misconduct to be investigated and for judges who resist improper pressure to be protected.
Chief Ola Amure called for transparent judicial appointments and prosecution of proven offenders. “We must protect the ballot, defend the rule of law and restore public confidence in the administration of justice,” he said.
Former Ijaw National Congress President Prof. Benjamin Okaba warned: “If we lose the courts before February 2027, we would have lost the election before the first vote is cast.” He urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to act on corruption allegations and to keep judges facing unresolved petitions off election tribunals.
Stephen Adewale, a former SDP chairman in Ondo State, added: “No politician should be allowed to turn the courtroom into a final polling unit where money casts the deciding vote.”
Others called for practical reforms, including digital filing, case tracking and safe ways to report bribery demands.
A Long-Running Concern
Concerns about judicial corruption are not new in Nigeria. Over the years, conflicting court orders, controversial election judgments and allegations against judicial officers have damaged public trust. The NJC has disciplined some judges, but critics say more needs to be done.
Augie’s warning adds a powerful insider voice to calls for reform. Whether it leads to concrete action from the NJC, the Nigerian Bar Association and the government remains to be seen.