Jibrin Samuel Okutepa (SAN) has called for decisive action against any lawyer or litigant who attempts to improperly influence judicial officers, insisting that such conduct must attract immediate sanctions to preserve the purity of the justice system.
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Reacting to the recent publication by TheNigeriaLawyer titled “LPDC Must Investigate” Lawyers Urge Justice Nwite To Petition Against Those Allegedly Approaching Him In Malami N8.7 Billion Money Laundering Trial, the lead prosecuting counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said judicial officers should not hesitate to take firm steps against offenders.
According to Okutepa, “I think it is time for judicial officers to order the arrest of any lawyer or litigant who approaches them for judicial favour. In my practice of law since 1991, when I was called to the Bar till date, I have not directly or indirectly approached any judicial officer for favour. My colleagues working with me know my stand. I am an apostle of the purity of justice. I support the naming and shaming of all who pollute the stream of justice, either directly or indirectly. Those who practise law must depart from iniquity.”
His remarks come amid growing calls by lawyers for Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to petition the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) over alleged attempts by unidentified persons to influence his decisions.
Justice Nwite had earlier raised the alarm in open court over alleged private approaches aimed at compromising the ongoing N8.7 billion money laundering trial involving former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz.
Shortly after granting bail to the defendants, the judge issued a stern warning to counsel and litigants, stressing that he would not tolerate any form of improper approach. He reaffirmed his commitment to doing his duty without fear or favour and warned that any attempt to pervert justice would be vehemently resisted, advising parties to pursue grievances through appeals rather than unethical conduct.
Justice Nwite, however, did not name any specific lawyers or parties from either the defence or prosecution alleged to have made such approaches.
TheNigeriaLawyer understands that Malami’s defence team is led by Chief Joseph Daudu (SAN), while the EFCC prosecution team is led by Jibrin Samuel Okutepa (SAN). The judge did not indicate that any lawyer from either team was involved.
Meanwhile, reactions have continued on social media, with several lawyers demanding that the LPDC investigate and sanction any practitioners found to have solicited judicial favour. Some PDP members have also alleged that similar conduct has occurred in other high-profile cases, including matters involving the party, though no names were mentioned.
The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2026, for the commencement of trial, following the grant of N500 million bail to each of the defendants under stringent conditions.
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