Following the recent suspension of several judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC), legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Abiodun Olatunji (SAN), has called for deeper reforms in the Nigerian judiciary to restore public confidence and ensure genuine accountability.
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In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Newspaper’s Onozure Dania, Olatunji addressed a wide range of issues including judicial misconduct, political interference, delayed justice, and digital transformation in the courts.
Olatunji commended the NJC’s recent suspensions and redeployments of judges, describing the measures as timely and necessary to reassure Nigerians that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man.
“These actions are not merely punitive,” he said, “but are mechanisms to preserve the integrity of the bench. When misconduct is established, sanctions such as dismissal or compulsory retirement should be considered to prevent a return to the bench that might damage public trust.”
While acknowledging improvements in judicial ethics and timeliness, Olatunji noted that the volume of petitions before the NJC remains troubling.
“The fact that so many disciplinary cases still come before the NJC shows that not all judges are living up to their oath,” he remarked, adding that reforms must go beyond sanctions to include deterrent and systemic measures.
On how to strengthen accountability and integrity, Olatunji stressed the importance of improving judicial welfare and ensuring merit-based appointments.
“No judge should operate under substandard conditions. We must equip them properly and ensure that appointments are based on competence, not nepotism or political patronage,” he stated.
He also advocated for a well-structured post-retirement framework to reduce the temptation of inducements during active service.
Reacting to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent comments on judicial corruption, Olatunji acknowledged the problem but warned against painting the entire judiciary with one brush.
“While corruption exists, many judges still conduct themselves with integrity. The enabling factors for corruption include poor remuneration, insecure tenure, and executive interference,” he said.
He called for systemic reforms focusing on transparency, checks and balances, and institutional independence rather than just punitive action.
Olatunji emphasized the need for constitutional amendments to curb abuse of appeals and reduce case overload.
“Matters like tenancy disputes should not reach the Supreme Court. That’s not just inefficient, it’s absurd. Judges must also take firmer control of their courts to curb delay tactics by litigants,” he advised.
Addressing the controversial use of ex parte orders, especially in politically sensitive cases, Olatunji urged judicial caution.
“Ex parte orders should preserve the status quo, not determine substantive rights. In urgent matters, abridging time for a hearing on notice is often more appropriate,” he said.
Lauding the Federal High Court’s move towards digital filing, Olatunji described technology as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s judiciary.
“Lagos has already shown that digital reform reduces delay, corruption, and inefficiency. Other jurisdictions must follow suit,” he said, noting that digitisation will also improve performance monitoring and transparency.
However, he warned of challenges such as erratic power supply, poor internet access, and resistance from a traditionally analogue-trained workforce. “Sustainable funding, training, and political will are crucial for nationwide digital transformation,” he added.
On the contentious issue of judicial appointments, Olatunji called for constitutional amendments to curtail executive influence.
“The Imo State Chief Judge appointment saga exemplifies why the executive’s role in appointments must be ceremonial. The NJC should retain full authority to screen, assess, and recommend candidates,” he argued.
He also suggested legislative confirmation hearings—done with transparency and time limits—as a safeguard against executive overreach.
To enhance the NJC’s effectiveness, Olatunji proposed decentralisation through the creation of State Judicial Councils (SJCs) for localised oversight.
“These bodies would better reflect federalism and respond faster to state-level issues,” he noted, adding that increased funding, independent investigators, and transparent procedures would further bolster the NJC’s credibility.
Olatunji asserted that due process and transparency are key to ensuring judicial officers are both independent and accountable.
“Judicial independence doesn’t equate to immunity from scrutiny. As long as the NJC follows fair procedures and avoids selective justice, discipline can be enforced without compromising independence,” he maintained.
Reflecting on the controversial removal of former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, Olatunji said the episode underscored the fragility of Nigeria’s judicial framework.
“Even if the law was followed, perception matters. Any action that appears politically motivated erodes public trust. We must institutionalize transparent, rule-based mechanisms for disciplining even top-ranking judges,” he concluded.
As Nigeria’s judiciary continues to grapple with internal and external challenges, Olatunji’s views offer a roadmap for restoring integrity, boosting efficiency, and upholding the rule of law.
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