A retired High Court Judge in Kogi State, Samuel Obayomi has bemoaned the level of corruption of corruption in Nigeria’s judiciary, and described it as worrisome.
The former judge stated this in his valedictory address at the High Court premises in Lokoja.
He expressed worry about the situation where Judges receive bribes to deliver judgement in favour or against parties involved in matters before the courts and advised those involved to desist before the laws catch up with them.
In his words, “Corruption in the Judiciary can be situated in incidences of taking bribes to pervert the course of Justice and it is not only Judges that are involved. We have the Clerks, Registrars and other staff who extort money from litigants and Counsel.
“More often than not, these staff charge excessive fees for Affidavits, preparation of Appeals Records, Certification of Judgments and Rulings. The reason for the growing trend is that people who are caught are not sanctioned or punished appropriately.
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“ We need to work together to put a lasting end to this ugly trend in the system.”
“Over the years people have been talking about corruption, and ask who is the corrupt man or woman they are talking about. It is clear to me that people mostly concentrate on financial or monetary corruption and ignore other forms of corruption.
“In my considered view, corruption is anything that is done outside due order either for personal advantage or for the advantage of others.
“If there be any Judge at any level who takes money to sell his Judgments and Rulings, it is better that such an individual desists from it otherwise, sooner or later, he will be exposed and put to shame. A word is enough for the wise.”
The retire legal luminary who appealed to government to make provision of adequate security for Judges a priority said the job of a judge at any level is a risk because they are vulnerable to all forms of human attacks that could become threats to their lives and their family.
He applauded the efforts of the Federal Government in setting up Judges Protection Squad to provide security for Judges particularly at their Residences.
“I must admit that the squad has been doing their best but there is room for improvement. I appeal that our Judges be provided adequate security by providing them with armed police orderlies/guards in the Courts and at their Residences.
“I suggest that because of the time in which we are now, it will not be out of place to allow our police Orderlies and Guards at our Residences to carry AK-47 Rifles. In the same vein, I urge the officer in charge of the Squad to also provide security coverage for our Magistrates and Area court Judges.
“Furthermore, it has become very imperative for our Courts to be provided with security coverage particularly during their sittings,” he added.
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