By Esther Ososanya
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has raised the alarm over rising concerns of corruption within the judiciary.
The organisation says this trend threatens Nigeria’s anti-graft campaign, democratic stability, and the rule of law.
In a strongly worded statement, CISLAC Executive Director Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) warned that the judiciary’s recent actions have undermined the efforts of institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Courts Dismissing Strong Corruption Cases
According to CISLAC, courts have dismissed several high-profile corruption cases despite what the organisation described as “impeccable evidence”.
Rafsanjani singled out Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, who has reportedly struck out multiple cases.
Among them is the ₦22.8 billion corruption case against former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu. Another is the ₦2.3 billion case involving former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.
In that case, former Defence Minister Musiliu Obanikoro allegedly testified that the money was delivered to Fayose in cash using two private jets.
Additional dismissed cases include a $140,000 fraud charge against Abdullahi Babalele, son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; a ₦322 million laundering case involving Senator Peter Nwaoboshi; and a ₦12.3 billion fraud allegation against Honeywell Group Chairman, Dr. Oba Otudeko.
CISLAC Demands Financial Scrutiny of Judges
Rafsanjani compared the current situation to the controversial acquittal of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, who was cleared in Nigeria but later convicted in the United Kingdom on similar charges.
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He warned that international investors would lose confidence in a judicial system that appears compromised.
Consequently, he urged agencies like the EFCC and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to investigate the financial records of judges with lavish lifestyles.
CISLAC also raised concerns about political interference, particularly regarding alleged housing benefits for judges said to have been arranged by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The group argued that such political gifts erode judicial independence.
NJC, Code of Conduct Bureau Urged to Act
CISLAC called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to restore discipline and public trust in the judiciary. The group emphasised that the NJC must act now to reverse the erosion of confidence in the court system.
Furthermore, CISLAC urged the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to enforce strict and transparent asset declarations by all judges and judicial officers, in line with Nigerian law.
“The judiciary must rise above allegations of inducement and partisanship,” Rafsanjani stated. “Nigerians deserve a system that defends the rule of law, not one that protects the powerful.”
Finally, CISLAC called on citizens, the media, and civil society groups to demand greater accountability from the judiciary.
Rafsanjani warned that if the trend continues unchecked, both Nigeria’s democracy and global standing could suffer lasting damage.
“The time to act is now, before judicial credibility is irreparably damaged,” he said.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
