Neglecting Judiciary Threatens Justice System – Ozekhome Warns, Urges Better Funding, Incentives

Renowned constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s judiciary, warning that continued neglect threatens the nation’s justice system.

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Hard Copy on Saturday, Ozekhome decried the poor conditions of many courts, describing them as “dilapidated” and unsuitable for justice delivery.

“We saw visuals of some courts, I wouldn’t sit there,” he said. “Yet, these are places we call halls of justice, where judges still write proceedings in longhand.”

He emphasized that the judiciary has been ignored for too long and warned that its inability to function effectively reflects broader systemic problems. “Garbage in, garbage out. If the judiciary is weak, society suffers,” he stated.

Ozekhome stressed that judges must be insulated from societal corruption through adequate remuneration and respect. “A corrupt judge is more dangerous than a man armed with a dagger,” he warned, adding that such corruption destroys the moral foundation of society.

While acknowledging the recent increase in Supreme Court justices’ salaries, now about ₦5.3 million monthly, as a positive step, he maintained that more needs to be done to attract and retain integrity within the bench.

His remarks come amid the recent suspension of a strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, which had demanded better pay and working conditions.

Ozekhome urged the government to treat judicial reform as a national priority to safeguard democracy and the rule of law.