By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate and prosecute judicial officers credibly implicated in corruption, warning that the problem threatens public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the association urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to establish a transparent, time-bound anti-corruption mechanism to work with the anti-graft agencies on allegations involving judicial officers.

HURIWA said the warning by retired Supreme Court Justice Amina Adamu Augie that corruption was turning Nigerian courts into “market stalls” reflected the seriousness of the challenges facing the country’s justice system.

The association warned that when citizens perceive the courts as places where justice goes to the highest bidder, confidence in the rule of law and constitutional democracy is undermined.

It also expressed concern that declining public trust in the judiciary could have serious consequences as Nigeria approaches another election cycle, arguing that citizens who lose faith in the courts may be tempted to resort to self-help in resolving disputes.

HURIWA insisted that judicial corruption should not be treated exclusively as an internal disciplinary matter when credible evidence points to possible criminal conduct.

“While acknowledging the constitutional and administrative responsibilities of the NJC, the association insists that these responsibilities must not become a procedural shield against criminal investigation and prosecution by legally empowered anti-graft agencies,” the statement said.

The group called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who chairs the NJC, to establish an urgent framework with clear timelines for examining complaints against judicial officers and referring cases involving suspected bribery, abuse of office and illicit enrichment to the appropriate investigative authorities.

It further urged the NJC to act promptly on petitions and ensure that administrative disciplinary proceedings complement, rather than frustrate, legitimate criminal investigations.

HURIWA also called on the EFCC and ICPC to carry out their statutory duties without fear or favour, including in cases involving powerful judicial officers.

However, the association stressed that efforts to address corruption must not undermine judicial independence or deny accused persons their legal rights.

“At the same time, the association stresses that every accused judicial officer remains entitled to due process, a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence,” the statement added.

HURIWA said the objective should be to investigate credible allegations and punish proven misconduct, rather than expose honest judges to politically motivated attacks.

It emphasised that judicial independence should protect judges from improper interference, not shield them from accountability.

“Judicial independence must protect judges from improper interference, not provide cover for corruption,” the association stated.

Beyond investigations and prosecutions, HURIWA called for stronger safeguards against the manipulation of court proceedings, the deliberate frustration of cases and the alleged sale of favourable judgments.

The association also identified inadequate funding, political interference, prolonged litigation and the high cost of accessing justice as wider institutional challenges that could compound the damage caused by corruption.

It urged the relevant authorities to strengthen judicial financial autonomy, modernise case management and improve access to affordable and timely justice, while maintaining that structural problems should never excuse bribery or professional misconduct.

HURIWA warned that public confidence could not be restored through public relations campaigns or the protection of influential individuals, but required credible investigations, timely disciplinary decisions and prosecutions where the evidence justified criminal charges.

The association called on the NJC, anti-graft agencies and the legal profession to demonstrate that no individual was above the law, regardless of rank or influence.

It warned that a judiciary distrusted by citizens could struggle to resolve political disputes peacefully, protect fundamental rights and secure voluntary compliance with court judgments.

HURIWA therefore urged the NJC to act urgently, the EFCC and ICPC to investigate credible allegations professionally, and the legal profession to maintain zero tolerance for proven corruption.

The association said decisive action was necessary to protect the judiciary’s legitimacy, preserve the rule of law and prevent further erosion of public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.