Corrupt Judges Will Go to Jail, FG Warns

Corrupt Judges Will Go to Jail, FG Warns

20 Jan 2016
141115F-Abubakar-Malami.jpg - 141115F-Abubakar-Malami.jpg

Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN)

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The federal government on Tuesday said it would beam its searchlight on the judiciary, warning that any judge accused of corruption would be prosecuted and jailed.

 It said gone are the days when corrupt judges escaped from justice in the country or allowed to enjoy their ill-gotten wealth.
 Speaking at the media launch of a report titled: “Go home and sin no more: Corrupt judges escaping from justice in Nigeria", published by a civil society organisation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), the Attorney General of the Federation  (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), said acts of judicial impunity would not be condoned, warning that every allegation of corruption would be dealt with through criminal prosecution and asset forfeiture to the state.

 The report highlighted through case studies, judicial corruption and the impunity of corrupt judges in the country.
 Malami, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (White Collar Crimes), Abiodun Aikomo, said considering the pivotal role judges play in the administration of justice, it is important to ensure that they, like the proverbial Caesar’s wife, are beyond reproach or even suspicion.
 The AGF reminded the judges to be aware that they are not immune to discipline for any misdeed let alone for corruption.
 He added that though there had been cases of removal of some judges for acts unbecoming of judicial officers, in a comparison between the widely reported cases of corruption in the judiciary vis-à-vis the records of judicial officers who have actually been punished, it would appear as if Nigerian judges enjoy total immunity from prosecution for corruption and allied offences.
“Unfortunately, the trust reposed in the Nigerian judiciary is often betrayed on the altar of corruption or other conducts incompatible with the exalted office of a judge. Though there have been cases of removal of some judges for acts unbecoming of judicial officers, often times upon the recommendation of the NJC in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution which empowers the president to remove a judicial officer from office on the recommendation of NJC.

“Nevertheless, in reality, in comparison between the widely reported cases of corruption in the judiciary vis-à-vis the records of judicial officers who have actually been punished therefore, it would appear as if Nigerian judges enjoy total immunity from prosecution for corruption (and allied offences), whereas judges are not immune from discipline for any misdeed let alone for corruption.

“As we may be aware, this administration promised Nigerians that it will promptly address the challenges facing our nation in the three areas of: (a) corruption, (b) economy and (c) security. Let no one be in doubt, the legitimate expectation of Nigerians in this regard shall be met. 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.
“Furthermore, considering the pivotal role that they play in the administration of justice, it is important to ensure that Nigerian judges, like the proverbial Caesar’s wife are beyond reproach or even suspicion.

“Gone are the days when corrupt judges escaped from justice in Nigeria! We shall continuously remind our judges about the judicial oath to which they subscribed upon their appointment.

“Therefore, in line with the cardinal agenda of President Buhari’s administration, the office of the AGF shall ensure that every appearance of corruption in the judiciary is dealt with among other measures through criminal prosecution and forfeiture to the state of illegally acquired assets.

“Acts of judicial impunity will also not be condoned, so that our judges can be judicially accountable at all times in a corruption-free judiciary which is both independent and impartial,” Malami said.

 Speaking at the event, SERAP’s Executive Director Adetokunbo Mumuni said he welcomed Malami’s commitment to the fight against corruption.

 He said: “Corrupt judges are more dangerous to the society than corrupt politicians because a corrupt judiciary denies both victims of corruption and those accused of corruption access to an independent, impartial and fair adjudication process.”

Mumuni pledged to work with the AGF to ensure the full implementation of the "recommendations contained in our report".
 Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari assured the Nigerian community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that his administration’s war against corruption would be pursued vigorously.

 A statement by his media aide, Mr. Garba Shehu, said Buhari made the promise during an interactive session with Nigerians in the Gulf country yesterday.

 The president said more persons who had abused the public trust would be exposed and brought to justice soon, adding that his government was committed to re-establishing former standards of accountability and probity in the management of public funds which were jettisoned under past administrations.

 The president appealed for more patience and understanding from Nigerians, as his administration takes steps to safeguard the economy from the shock of falling oil prices.

“In the face of our new economic reality of dwindling oil prices, there are a number of things we can really do without to preserve our economy.
“We must develop the capacity to feed ourselves and we should be spending our resources on real development projects, not luxuries,” he said