The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has warned that Nigeria’s justice system is fast losing credibility as corruption and inequality tilt court processes in favour of the wealthy.
Speaking on Sunday at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu, the Sultan lamented that justice is increasingly “a purchasable commodity,” where the rich evade punishment while the poor face the full weight of the law.
He cautioned that the imbalance threatens national stability, noting that when citizens lose confidence in the courts, they may resort to self-help, with dangerous consequences.
“The poor are becoming victims, while the rich commit crimes and walk the streets scot-free,” he said, urging legal practitioners to uphold truth and fairness above financial or personal interests.
Analysts warn that a justice system skewed towards the privileged not only fuels anger and crime but also undermines democracy and discourages investment.
Civil society groups have repeatedly highlighted Nigeria’s overcrowded prisons, where the majority of inmates are poor citizens awaiting trial, unable to afford legal representation or bail.
The Sultan’s remarks add to mounting calls for urgent judicial reforms, including transparent court processes, improved legal aid for the poor, and stronger oversight to curb corruption in the system.
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