Nigeria’s justice system is deeply corrupt – ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has highlighted the pervasive corruption afflicting Nigeria’s justice system.

Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, the commission’s chairman, made this observation on Thursday during the 2024 Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony organized by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN).

Aliyu described corruption as one of the most pressing challenges undermining all sectors and institutions across the country. He emphasized that this trend erodes the integrity of policy decision-making and hampers progress.

He pointed out that the justice system in Nigeria is burdened by institutional, financial, infrastructural, human resource, and socio-cultural issues. According to him, “The widespread corruption within the justice system, including bribery, influence peddling, and attitudinal challenges, is both fundamental and daunting.”

Aliyu further noted that the justice sector is particularly concerning due to the prevalence of bribery involving stakeholders. “Despite limited public interaction, judicial officials exhibit relatively high levels of bribery prevalence,” he stated, stressing the urgency for targeted anti-corruption measures within the sector.