The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has alleged that some senior lawyers are behind the increased level of corruption in the judiciary.
The CJN made the allegation when the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by its National President, Chief Augustine Alegeh, SAN, paid him a courtesy visit at the weekend.
According to him, corrupt politicians often use lawyers to tempt judges with bribes. Some lawyers not only aid, but equally abet corruption within the Bench, he noted, saying this portends grave danger for the justice system in the country.
Mohammed therefore tasked the NBA to do its best to purge itself of ‘some corrupt elements’ within its fold.
“I want to use this opportunity to urge the Bar to put the interest of the system far and above the individuals. Imagine this scenario; you in the Bar decry the ‘rots’ on the Bench, calling for disciplining and cleansing of the judiciary by weeding out the bad eggs on the Bench.
“Yet, you are the first to jump to the court to seek restraining order on NJC to stop it from the investigation and trial of a judge based on a petition brought against the judge before the council. How then is the principle of fair hearing sustained?”
The CJN however vowed to re-invigorate the judicial cleansing process that was commenced by his predecessors.
He was joined in welcoming the NBA delegation by other Justices of the Supreme Court – Justices Mohammed Tanko Ibrahim, John Fabiyi, and Bode Rhodes-Vivour.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate