CJN Kekere-Ekun Decries Corruption In Nigeria’s Judiciary, Bias, Delays In Justice 

Abuja, Nigeria – The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has raised concerns over the persistent challenges facing the judiciary, including allegations of corruption, delays in justice dispensation, and perceived bias.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 2025 hybrid refresher course for judges of superior courts of record, Kekere-Ekun lamented that despite efforts to address these issues, they continue to undermine public confidence in the judicial system.

“In spite of our collective efforts, challenges persist; allegations of corruption, delays in the dispensation of justice, and perceptions of bias or inefficiency remain issues of concern,” she stated.

She warned that these problems were eroding trust in the judiciary, weakening its authority, and creating a widening disconnect between the courts and the society they serve.

“The onus is therefore on us to confront these challenges head-on and reaffirm our commitment to judicial excellence,” she added.

Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the judiciary’s effectiveness is tied to public confidence, which must be earned through integrity, professionalism, and transparency.

“Without public confidence, the judiciary’s moral authority is diminished, and its ability to discharge its constitutional mandate is impaired,” she said.

She called on judges to uphold fairness and impartiality, stressing that even the perception of bias or impropriety could be as damaging as actual misconduct.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, retired Justice Salisu Abdullahi, has emphasized the importance of public trust in the judiciary, described it as the foundation of the institution’s legitimacy.

Speaking at a refresher course for judicial officers, Abdullahi said the theme, “Strengthening Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary,” was timely.

He noted that trust in the judiciary is not automatic or guaranteed but must be earned through impartiality, integrity, and diligence.

He urged participants to reflect on issues that could weaken public confidence in the judiciary and work towards solutions that would restore and strengthen trust in the system.

“This course will provide an opportunity for judges to discuss challenges affecting public confidence in the judiciary and develop practical strategies to address them,” he said.

The refresher course is part of the National Judicial Institute’s ongoing efforts to enhance the professional development of judicial officers.

Participants include judges from the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, and State High Courts, as well as Kadis from the Sharia Court of Appeal and judges from the Customary Court of Appeal.