HURIWA urges NJC, EFCC, ICPC to act on judicial corruption allegations

The human rights group says credible allegations against judicial officers should be referred promptly for criminal investigation, while insisting that due process and judicial independence must be protected.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to establish a transparent, time-bound mechanism for addressing corruption allegations against judicial officers and ensuring that cases involving suspected criminal conduct are referred to appropriate anti-graft agencies.

The association urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate credible allegations involving judicial officers and pursue prosecution where evidence supports criminal charges.

In a statement, HURIWA said corruption within the judiciary threatened public confidence in the justice system, constitutional democracy and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The call follows concerns raised by retired Supreme Court Justice Amina Adamu Augie, who recently warned that corruption among judges, lawyers and court officials was undermining the administration of justice and turning courts into what she described as “market stalls.”

Augie made the remarks on October 17, 2026, while delivering a public lecture at the 40th anniversary of the Nigerian Law School Class of 1986 in Abuja. She identified corruption, political interference, inadequate funding and delays in the administration of justice as major challenges confronting the judiciary.

HURIWA said Augie’s warning highlighted the need for concrete institutional action rather than public statements or efforts aimed only at improving the judiciary’s image.

The association called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who chairs the NJC, to initiate a framework with clear timelines for examining complaints against judicial officers.

It said the proposed mechanism should ensure that credible allegations involving suspected bribery, abuse of office, illicit enrichment and other criminal offences reach the relevant investigative authorities without unnecessary delay.

HURIWA also urged the NJC to act promptly on petitions and refer cases requiring criminal investigation to the EFCC or ICPC, in accordance with applicable laws.

The group argued that the council’s disciplinary responsibilities should complement criminal investigations rather than prevent allegations of possible criminal conduct from being examined by agencies with the relevant statutory powers.

The NJC has constitutional responsibilities for judicial appointments and disciplinary control over specified judicial officers under paragraph 21 of Part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Its Judicial Discipline Regulations 2017 also provide a framework for handling complaints of misconduct against judicial officers.

HURIWA maintained that judicial officers should not be exempt from the law because of their positions, adding that anyone found to have abused public trust for personal gain should face appropriate legal consequences.

The association, however, cautioned that efforts to address corruption must not undermine judicial independence or expose judges to politically motivated accusations.

It said every judicial officer accused of wrongdoing remained entitled to due process, a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence.

According to HURIWA, anti-graft agencies must conduct investigations professionally and without fear or favour, while avoiding actions that could intimidate independent judges or interfere improperly with judicial proceedings.

The group said judicial independence should protect judges from undue influence, not shield proven corruption from accountability.

It also called for stronger safeguards against alleged practices such as manipulating court proceedings, deliberately frustrating cases and improperly influencing judgments.

HURIWA warned that when citizens lose confidence in the courts, they may become less willing to rely on legal processes to resolve disputes. It said such a development could weaken the rule of law and increase the risk of individuals or groups resorting to self-help.

Beyond investigations and prosecutions, HURIWA called for reforms to address structural problems affecting the judiciary.

It urged relevant authorities to strengthen judicial financial autonomy, modernise case management and improve access to affordable and timely justice.

The association said inadequate funding, political interference, prolonged litigation and the high cost of legal proceedings could compound public distrust in the justice system.

However, it stressed that such challenges should not be used to excuse bribery or professional misconduct.

Augie also highlighted inadequate funding and delays in justice delivery during her October 17 lecture, alongside concerns about corruption and political interference.

HURIWA said restoring public confidence would require credible investigations, timely disciplinary decisions and criminal prosecution where evidence warrants it, rather than ceremonial declarations or public relations campaigns.

The association called on the NJC, the EFCC, the ICPC and the wider legal profession to demonstrate that allegations of corruption would be addressed regardless of the status or influence of those involved.

It said decisive action, guided by evidence and due process, was necessary to protect the judiciary’s legitimacy and preserve public confidence in its role as an institution responsible for enforcing rights and resolving disputes.

HURIWA’s demands are calls for institutional action; they do not, in themselves, establish that any particular judicial officer has committed a criminal offence.