NBA Under Fire as Activist Demands Urgent Judicial Reforms
…Says Judiciary Has Become Puppet of Politicians
By Naomi Onome
A public affairs commentator and activist, Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, has raised serious concerns over what he described as the growing collapse of integrity within Nigeria’s judicial system, alleging that corruption and political interference have weakened the once-respected institution.
Iche made the above statement following a viral video where a security guard allegedly assaulted a lawyer at the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 18, 2026.
Reacting to the incident, Omoyele Sowore, who shared the video, wrote:
“The Federal High Court has now been reduced to a centre for the dehumanisation of lawyers and litigants. Today, court security personnel physically assaulted one of my lawyers simply for insisting that we be allowed into the court premises to attend to our cases. Nigeria is finished!”
Speaking passionately on the state of the nation’s legal profession and judiciary, Iche lamented that the judiciary, which ought to serve as an independent arm of government and a check on executive excesses, has allegedly become compromised by politicians and the affluent in society through inducements and undue influence, giving rise to occasional degradation.
According to him, in the past, judges and legal practitioners commanded immense respect because they stood firmly for justice and fairness, irrespective of political pressure. He, however, alleged that the system has changed drastically, with some judicial officers now allegedly receiving gifts such as luxury vehicles, houses, mansions and monetary inducements from politicians in exchange for favourable judgements.
“Before now, the judiciary was the hope of the common man. It was the institution that cautioned the executive whenever things were going wrong. But today, politicians have corrupted the judiciary. They buy SUVs for judges, build houses for them and give them fat envelopes. The judiciary has now become a puppet in the hands of the executive,” he stated.
Iche further decried what he described as the declining respect for lawyers and judges in society, citing a recent incident in court where a security operative allegedly assaulted a lawyer dressed in his official legal attire.
He compared the incident to a civilian attacking a military officer in uniform, insisting that such an act would have been unthinkable in previous years when the legal profession commanded greater dignity and protection.
The activist also condemned situations where security agencies allegedly disregard court orders, particularly cases where suspects granted bail are reportedly re-arrested within court premises despite judicial pronouncements.
“This is not how it used to be. We are not under military rule; we are under democracy, where the judiciary ought to be respected. But today, nobody values the legal profession anymore because it has been commercialised,” he said.
He expressed concern that many Nigerians no longer encourage their children to study law due to what he termed the diminishing credibility of the profession.
“Before, if someone said their child was a lawyer, people respected it. But now, because of corruption and commercialisation, nobody takes them seriously anymore,” he added.
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Iche also criticised inconsistencies in judicial decisions across different jurisdictions, alleging that some judges now allegedly take directives from politicians before delivering judgements.
According to him, the situation has eroded public confidence in the judiciary and deepened perceptions of injustice within the country.
He questioned the role of the Nigerian Bar Association in sanitising the legal profession and restoring public trust in the justice system.
“The president of the Nigerian Bar Association must rise to the occasion. The ball is now in their court. If they cannot sanitise the profession, then they should step aside for those who can,” he declared.
Referencing respected legal icons of the past, including late human rights lawyer Gani Fawehinmi and former jurist Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Iche lamented what he described as the disappearance of fearless judicial officers who once stood firmly against injustice and political oppression.
“Where are the judges and lawyers who could not sit quietly while irregularities happened? Where are people like Gani Fawehinmi and Justice Oputa?” he queried.
The activist also accused the judiciary of applying double standards in the handling of corruption-related cases, alleging that politicians accused of embezzlement often escape justice while internet fraud suspects and ordinary citizens face harsh punishments.
He alleged that anti-corruption cases involving politically exposed persons are frequently stalled or dismissed, while less influential offenders receive severe prison sentences.
He further criticised what he described as the growing relationship between political office holders and judicial officers, questioning how judges can remain impartial when allegedly benefiting from politicians.
“How do you expect judges to fairly judge the same politicians who build houses for them and feed them?” he asked.
He warned that continued compromise of the judiciary could have dangerous consequences for Nigeria’s democracy and international image, stressing that the world is closely watching developments in the country.
Calling for urgent reforms, Iche urged judges, lawyers and political leaders to reflect on their actions and uphold justice, fairness and accountability.
“Whatever a man sows, that is what he will reap. If they do not reap it themselves, their children and generations after them will. Nigeria has some of the best lawyers and judges, but corruption has destroyed the system,” he said.
He concluded by appealing to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and honourable members of the judiciary and legal profession to restore the dignity of the institution and protect the sanctity of justice in Nigeria.
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