The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has raised serious concerns about the fairness of Nigeria’s justice system, warning that it increasingly serves the interests of the rich while neglecting the poor.
Speaking on Sunday at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Enugu, the Sultan highlighted how corruption and inequality have eroded public trust in the courts. He said the wealthy often escape punishment for crimes, while the poor bear the brunt of injustice.
“Justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity, and the poor are becoming victims, while the rich commit all manner of crime and walk the streets scot-free,” the Sultan said.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid growing public frustration over perceived corruption and bias within Nigeria’s judiciary. Many Nigerians believe that those with money and influence can manipulate the system to their advantage, while those without resources are denied fair treatment.
This perception is damaging the reputation of the courts and weakening the rule of law in the country.
“The imbalance in justice fuels anger, mistrust, and could lead to violence,” the Sultan warned. “When the people lose faith in the courts, they may take the law into their own hands.”
This warning echoes past concerns by activists and legal experts about the dangers of a broken justice system in a country struggling with social and economic challenges.
The Sultan also urged lawyers to be champions of truth and fairness, putting aside personal gain in order to restore public confidence in the legal system.
“It is only when the legal profession leads by example that the public can trust the system again,” he said.
His call reflects a broader push within Nigeria’s legal community for greater integrity and professionalism. The Nigerian Bar Association, which represents lawyers nationwide, has repeatedly stressed the need for reforms that would make justice more transparent and accessible.
Nigeria’s justice system plays a critical role in maintaining law and order and protecting citizens’ rights. When the courts are seen as fair and impartial, people are more likely to obey laws and resolve disputes peacefully.
But when justice is perceived as unfair or reserved for a privileged few, frustration grows. This can lead to increased crime, unrest, and even violent conflicts.
The Sultan’s comments underline the importance of a strong and trusted judiciary for Nigeria’s social and political stability.
The issues raised by the Sultan are not new. Over the years, there have been many calls from civil society groups, legal professionals, and international bodies for reforms in Nigeria’s justice sector.
These reforms include:
-Transparent court processes to reduce corruption and bias.
– Better access to legal aid and representation for poor and vulnerable citizens.
– Stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms for judges and lawyers.
– Use of technology to improve court efficiency and reduce delays.
Nigeria’s judiciary, like many other sectors, has struggled with corruption and lack of resources. Bribery, case manipulation, and delays are common complaints.
Studies have shown that the poor often cannot afford quality legal representation, while wealthier defendants can pay for top lawyers and influence outcomes.
This situation has contributed to a growing divide where justice seems linked to wealth, not truth or fairness.
Public opinion polls indicate that Nigerians want a justice system that treats everyone equally and protects the rights of all citizens.
Efforts to reform the judiciary have been ongoing, but progress has been slow, and many remain skeptical about the political will to make lasting changes.
The Sultan’s voice adds weight to these calls for reform by highlighting the real dangers of continuing down the current path.
