Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed concern over the actions of a few judges tarnishing the reputation of the Nigerian judiciary. Speaking at an event organized by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) to celebrate its 30th anniversary and the elevation of Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru to the Supreme Court, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the importance of integrity within the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted the dedication and expertise of many Nigerian judges but warned that they must remember their accountability to both society and God. She stressed that the perception of the judiciary by ordinary citizens depends on how well ethics, morality, and law coexist in society.
For the law to earn public trust, it must align with fundamental principles, maintain stability, and demonstrate the independence of the judiciary, she stated. She also underscored the role of legal practitioners, who, as “ministers in the temple of justice,” must balance legal standards with ethical and moral expectations.
Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the strong influence of faith on Nigeria’s justice foundations, as both Islam and Christianity advocate for morality and righteousness. She concluded by noting, “While the majority of our judges are upright, a few have brought disrepute to our esteemed judiciary.”
