The Corruption In Nigeria's Judicial System
Corruption is a pervasive issue in Nigeria, and the judicial system cannot be an exception. Nigeria's judiciary, right from cradle, has been plagued by allegations of corruption, incompetence, and human rights violations, undermining the rule of law and eroding public trust. One outstanding case that highlights the presence of corruption in Nigeria's judicial system is that of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been unconstitutionally arrested, detained, and tortured since June 2021, facing trial for treasonable felony, among other charges. His case has sparked widespread controversy across cultures, with many accusing government involvement in judicial harassment and human rights abuse.
The Nigerian Judiciary's handling of Kanu's case has raised concerns about enormous bias, corruption, and incompetence. The courts have been slow to address Kanu's grievances, including his allegations of tortures and maltreatments in detention. The court's calculated and pre-planned failure and oversight to ensure a fair and timely trial has led to a widespread criticisms and peaceful protests by IPOB, with many accusing the system of connivance with government. The corruption in Nigeria's judicial system is not, however, limited to Kanu's case alone. There are numerous allegations of judges accepting bribes, judges being indiscriminately influenced by political gladiators, and court decisions being bought and sold to the highest bidders. This unsavory situation has led to a crisis of confidence in the judiciary, with many Nigerians questioning the system's ability to deliver justice.
The consequences of corruption in the judicial system are far-reaching. It undermines the rule of law, perpetuates impunity, and robs citizens of their inalienable fundamental rights. An average Nigerian has no human rights! Why? It is because he has no money to buy it. Human rights are bought with money in Nigeria. This glaring corruption in the judiciary discourages investments and hampers economic growth. It perpetuates poverty and privations, and under-development of the society. Addressing corruption in Nigeria's judicial system requires a multidisciplinary approach. This includes strengthening institutions, increasing transparency, and ensuring accountability. The judiciary must be independent and not tied to the apron call of the Presidency. It must also be committed to upholding the law without compromise and fear. The government should take concrete steps to address the root causes of corruption and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The fight against corruption in Nigeria's judicial system requires a sustained effort from all stakeholders, including the government, judiciary, civil society, and citizens. It is crucial to strengthen institutions, increase transparency, and ensure accountability. The following steps can be taken to address corruption in Nigeria's judicial system:
1. Strengthening the National Judicial Council (NJC) to effectively investigate and discipline errant judges, such as Justice James Omotosho, who is still keeping Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in detention without any law enshrined in the Constitution to convict him
2. Increasing transparency in judicial appointments and promotions
3. Implementing robust anti-corruption measures, such as arrest declaration and whistleblower protection
4. Providing adequate funding for the judiciary to reduce dependence on external sources
5. Enhancing the capacity of judicial officers through training and education
Some examples of corruption in the Nigerian judiciary include:
1. Over the years, judges have been accused of accepting bribes to influence court decisions, compromising integrity of the judicial process.
2. There have been cases of judges being influenced by political gladiators and affluent individuals to deliver favourable judgments to them.
3. Court documents have been altered, falsified, and evidence tampered with, leading to wrongful and lopsided convictions and acquittals .
4. Some judges have been accused of demanding for bribes from litigants in exchange for favourable court decisions or expected process.
5. The Nigerian Judiciary has been plagued by nepotism, with some judges appointing family members or friends in key positions.
6. There have been allegations of judges being involved in money laundering and other financial crimes.
7. Some court officials have been accused of embezzling funds meant for court operations and maintenance.
8. The judicial system has been criticized for destitution of transparency, with court proceedings and decisions often shrouded in clandestine.
Corruption in Nigeria's judicial system is a cankerworm that requires an urgent attention to address it. The pathetic case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in particular, highlights the flaws and rottenness in Nigeria's judicial system, and the need for reform. The judiciary must be reformed lock, stock, and barrel to ensure that it is independent, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves. Some evil Nigerians sponsored by late President Muhammadu Buhari and late Senator Ifeanyi Uba bribed Kenyan Airport Authority to arrest and detain Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu was arrested upon his arrival at Nairobi International Airport, and was detained and tortured for eight (8 days) as Buhari told them. Buhari was about embarking on a trip to London, but, once he heard from Senator Ifeanyi Ubah that Kanu had been kidnapped in Kenya, he postponed his journey. He called the Kenyan Government and demanded for Kanu's repatriation to Nigeria. When the Kenyan Government refused, he agreed to pay them one billion United States Dollars to ensure that Kanu gets back to Nigeria. Before Kenyan Government repatriated him, it first took him to hospital for treatment because he sustained wound and bruises when they tortured him for eight (8) days in Kenya. After recuperation, they brought Kanu back to Nigeria to Buhari, Lt. General Tukur Buratai (the demon in human form), and the Department of State Services (DSS). Without being mindful of Kanu's health condition, the DSS personnels ferociously tortured him even more than the Kenyans did. What is his offence? He said that since Nigeria does not want Igbos to be fully integrated into Nigeria, we should be allowed to have our own sovereign State of Biafra. Is anything wrong with that?
When the owl sees a puma, it cries out very loud. Yes, an owl cannot be silent when it sees a puma. What I mean is that, oppression attracts agitation for freedom. If Nigeria had treated Igbo people well, nobody would have remembered separation from Nigeria. Which wife can wish to divorce a husband that loves her and supplies all her needs. None! Most women cannot divorce their husbands without very tangible reasons. Buhari spent one billion United States Dollars to bring Kanu back to Nigeria and to kill him. Was it not oil money that Buhari gave to Kenya? He didn't pay salaries to Federal Government Ministries. He didn't build any industry to employ our youths. He didn't build any hospital. He didn't build roads. Yet, he had a whooping sum of $1 billion to persecute Christians. If Kanu were a Fulani jihadists or herdman, would Tinubu spend $1billion United States Dollars to Kenya to repatriate him? Did anybody in the National Assembly tell him that he was wrong to spend that money that way? No. They kept silent because they don't want to offend him. Tell yourself the truth, how much money does Federal Government get from Northern Nigeria? Does Federal Government rely on resources from the North as a benchmark to run the country? No!
Kanu was abducted by Lt. General Tukur Buratai in collaboration with rogue elements of the Kenyan security apparatus. The Nigerian Government, led by Buhari, was responsible for it. Buhari called Kanu a terrorist, whereas his fellow jihadists (killers and rapists) were granted pardon and even rehabilitated with our resources. Where is the justice in it? A Kenyan court ruled that Kanu's abduction, detention, and torture were unlawful and unconstitutional, awarding him 10 million shillings in compensatory damages, while Tinubu and his goon, Justice James Omotosho, are still calling him a terrorist, and still detaining and beating him till today. I want to tell Tinubu and Omotosho that if Kanu dies in custody today, he will not surely die alone. So many other people will die with him even if they don't want to.
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