Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called for urgent reforms in the judiciary to address the issues of frivolous appeals, the intimidation of judges, and the reliance on technicalities in delivering judgments. Speaking at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)/National Judicial Institute (NJI) Capacity Building Workshop in Abuja on Monday, the President stressed the judiciary’s vital role in combating corruption.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu highlighted the need for these challenges to be curbed to ensure the swift adjudication of corruption cases. He acknowledged the progress made in prosecuting corruption cases due to recent justice sector reforms but noted that obstacles remain.
In a statement from Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Vice President, Tinubu described the workshop as an important platform to unite against Nigeria’s “common enemy”—corruption. He emphasized that the commitment and patriotism of judicial officers are essential in the fight against financial crimes.
VP Shettima, delivering the President’s speech, said, “The judiciary is central to the success of anti-corruption efforts,” but added that ongoing issues, such as delaying tactics through frivolous appeals and intimidation of judges, hinder progress. He reiterated the importance of basing judgments on facts, rather than technicalities.
The President also warned that corruption affects all Nigerians, depriving the nation of its natural wealth. He called for a united effort from citizens, not just anti-corruption agencies, to tackle the issue effectively.
Tinubu further addressed the evolving nature of financial crimes, noting that advances in technology, such as the rise of virtual assets, have led to an increase in cryptocurrency fraud. He urged the judiciary to equip itself with the necessary knowledge to handle these complex, emerging forms of crime.