Corruption allegations against judges must be evidence-based – CJN

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, ABUJA

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday warned against blanket allegations of corruption against the judiciary, insisting such claims must be evidence-based.

Decrying what she described as a recent “troubling pattern of broad, sweeping attacks against the Judiciary”, the CJN said the National Judicial Council (NJC) remained vigilant and would not hesitate to discipline any judicial officer found wanting.

Speaking shortly after she had sworn in 14 newly appointed judges of the Federal High Court, the CJN maintained that when corruption is alleged without specificity or evidence, it erodes public trust and weakens the institutional authority of the judiciary.

“Let me be clear: the Judiciary does not claim infallibility. Where misconduct is established, it will be addressed firmly and transparently.

“The National Judicial Council remains vigilant and will not hesitate to discipline any Judicial officer found wanting. Accountability is indispensable to judicial independence.

“But independence itself must be protected from careless assault. Criticism must be responsible. Allegations must be evidence-based.

“Institutions must not be casually delegitimised, for when confidence in the courts collapses, the rule of law itself is imperilled,” the CJN stated.

According to her, “It has become fashionable in some quarters to deploy blanket allegations of corruption against the institution as a whole.

“While constructive criticism is legitimate in a constitutional democracy, indiscriminate denunciation is neither fair nor responsible.

“Such sweeping generalisations wound deeply. They do not merely criticise decisions; they cast aspersions on the integrity of men and women who have lived honourably, laboured faithfully, and discharged their duties with unblemished records.

“When corruption is alleged without specificity, without evidence, and without recourse to established complaint mechanisms, the damage is collective.

“It erodes public trust, weakens institutional authority, and unjustly stains reputations built over decades of sacrifice. A judge who has served with integrity should not be made to stand under a cloud created by reckless rhetoric,” Justice Kekere-Ekun added.

Meanwhile, she urged the new judges to abide by the oath of their office, stressing that the appointment would expose them to heightened scrutiny, instantaneous commentary, and amplified public opinion.

“You must not allow either praise or criticism to distract you from your constitutional duty. Your judgments must speak with clarity. Your conduct must be above reproach.

“You must resist every subtle pressure, be it social, political, financial, or relational. The temptation may not always come in dramatic form; sometimes it comes clothed in familiarity, influence, or convenience. Guard your independence jealously.

“Maintain measured distance from entanglements that could compromise perception. Remember always that perception, in judicial life, is almost as powerful as reality,” the CJN added.

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