Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has raised alarm over what he describes as deep-rooted corruption and a growing crisis of confidence in the Nigerian judiciary. Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Bwari Branch Law Week on Monday in Abuja, El-Rufai criticized what he sees as the judiciary’s declining independence and increasing vulnerability to external influence.
El-Rufai lamented that the judicial system, once seen as a cornerstone of fairness and accountability, is now viewed with skepticism by the public due to delayed rulings, procedural inefficiencies, and compromised integrity.
“Our judiciary, which should serve as the bedrock of justice and order, is facing unprecedented scrutiny,” he said. “Justice delays, forum shopping, and questionable decisions have led to a widespread perception that justice is accessible only to the wealthy and powerful.”
He pointed to the rising misuse of ex parte orders in political cases, accusing some legal practitioners of manipulating legal processes for partisan advantage. He added that this trend further distances legal outcomes from genuine justice.
“Many now believe that what happens in Nigerian courts is merely the administration of law—not justice,” El-Rufai stated.
The former governor also criticized the apparent subservience of the judiciary to the executive, arguing that this undermines democracy and public trust in legal institutions.
Calling for urgent reforms, El-Rufai urged legal professionals to reexamine their ethical responsibilities and work toward restoring the credibility and independence of the judiciary.
“We must bridge the widening gap between law and justice in Nigeria,” he concluded.
