A lawyer in Awka, Anambra State, has sparked outrage after alleging a blatant attempt of extortion by a court clerk at Magistrate Court 2.

The lawyer, whose name remained anonymous in a trending video, recounted the ordeal on X.com using the handle @BishopPOEvang on Monday.

The lawyer said, “The honourable magistrate granted my client bail in a very simple offence and my client met the conditions.”

However, the process was allegedly obstructed by the court clerk.

He further alleged that the clerk resorted to insults when he refused to comply.

“The Clerk of the court demanded that I must give her 20,000 naira before she takes the records (surety bonds) to the Magistrate to sign,” the lawyer stated.

“The Clerk of the Court also insulted me and called me names.

“This is the person that went to the Magistrate for him to sign the document and returned back saying the Magistrate demanded 20,000 naira”, he said.

This incident, the lawyer said highlights a concerning trend of alleged corruption within the justice system, while emphasising the importance of ensuring fair treatment for all, particularly “justice for the common man in the judiciary.”

“Whether we like it or not,” he declared, “if there is no justice for the common man in the judiciary, there will not be justice anywhere.”

The lawyer further challenged the established practices surrounding bail, stating, “When somebody is granted bail, bail is free at the police station and in the court. Nobody has the right to demand any money before the bail bond is perfected.”

While agreeing to pay the alleged bribe to expedite the process, the lawyer vowed to fight back.

“I promise you by Tuesday morning, I will return the money, N20,000 cash. By the time I return the money, don’t come to me again as a Lawyer”, he said.

This incident has drawn attention to the need for transparency and accountability within the Nigerian judiciary. (The PUNCH)

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