Tougher Times Await Corrupt Judges—FG

The Federal Government has warned corrupt judges to repent or risk criminal charges leveled against them when caught.

This warning was given by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at a function held in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, the Minister made this known when he delivered a paper at the presentation of their latest report titled, ‘Go home and sin no more: Corrupt judges escaping justice in Nigeria’.

Malami added that indicted corrupt judges, apart from the criminal prosecution, would forfeit their assets as additional punishment.

“As we may be aware, this administration promised Nigerians that it will promptly address the challenges facing our nation in the three areas of corruption, economy and security. Let no one be in doubt, the legitimate expectation of Nigerians in this regard shall be met,” the Minister, who was represented on the occasion by his Senior Special Assistant on White Collar Crimes, Abiodun Aikomo, was quoted to have said.

Malami said the government is aware that the public is losing trust in the Nigerian judiciary, appearing that judges enjoyed total immunity from prosecution for alleged corrupt practices.

He said, “In this regard therefore, I am reiterating that the fight against corruption shall be total and will not exclude judicial officers, who are found wanting. After all, it is beyond doubt that a corrupt judge cannot meaningfully contribute to the fight against corruption.”

He added that, “In reality, it cannot be over-emphasised that systemic corruption and impunity are prevalent in Nigeria, and that they cut across all sectors of the society, unfortunately, including the judiciary – an institution that is universally believed to be the hope of the common man.

“Ideally, the judiciary in a democratic state ought to be accountable less to public opinion and more to public interest. It should discharge its constitutional roles by being principled, independent and impartial.”