By Charles Maduka
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised concerns about the state of Nigeria’s judiciary, accusing some judges and lawyers of corruption and saying the public no longer trusts the legal system.
El-Rufai made the remarks while speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association Law Week in Abuja, where he criticised delays in court proceedings and claimed some legal practitioners manipulate the process for political gain.
“Our judiciary—meant to be the bedrock of fairness—is now under scrutiny. Delayed justice, inefficiencies, and questionable decisions have eroded public confidence,” he said.
He also condemned the growing use of ex parte orders in political cases, calling it a sign that justice is often influenced by money and power.
“The rise in forum shopping and the abuse of ex parte orders suggest that what we now have is the administration of law, not justice. Justice today seems reserved for the highest bidder,” he added.
El-Rufai said he believes the judiciary has become too dependent on the executive and that there is now a clear gap between law and justice.
“In Nigeria, there’s a wide gulf between law and justice. What’s being delivered is shaped by executive interest, not fairness,” he stated.
He urged legal professionals to reflect on their roles and commit to delivering impartial justice.
“There must be honest introspection within the legal profession. Is justice still blind in Nigeria? Does it truly serve all Nigerians equally?” El-Rufai asked.
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