SULTAN OF SOKOTO LAMENTS STATE OF NIGERIA’S JUDICIAL SYSTEM

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has expressed deep concern over the state of Nigeria’s judicial system, describing justice as a “purchasable commodity” where the poor are denied fair treatment while the wealthy evade accountability. The Sultan made this remark while speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) 2025 Annual General Conference in Enugu.

According to the Sultan, corruption and inequality are undermining the integrity of the judicial system, allowing the rich to commit crimes and walk free while the poor suffer. “Justice is the foundation of stable societies, and law must always target justice as its ultimate goal,” he said.

The Sultan urged lawyers to uphold the rule of law and ensure equal justice for all citizens. He also called on them to use their profession to bridge divisions and foster national unity, addressing social injustices and promoting cohesion.

“The law must serve as a tool for justice, not a means of oppression,” the Sultan emphasized. He stressed the need to improve access to justice, particularly for the weak and vulnerable, and to reduce the rising cost of litigation.

The Sultan also emphasized the importance of law reforms to decolonize Nigeria’s laws and make them more relevant to the country’s values, culture, and history. He urged lawyers to take a proactive role in promoting justice and equality in the society.

The Sultan’s remarks have sparked a renewed call for reforms in the judicial system to ensure that justice is served fairly and equally to all citizens, regardless of their social status or wealth.