- The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has decried Nigeria’s justice system, saying it increasingly favors the rich while the poor remain victims.
- Speaking at the NBA conference in Enugu, he warned that corruption and inequality are eroding public trust.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has voiced concern over the state of Nigeria’s judiciary, lamenting that it now largely serves the interests of the wealthy while neglecting the poor.
Speaking on Sunday in Enugu at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Sultan criticized corruption and inequality for weakening the justice system.
“Justice is becoming a purchasable commodity, and the poor are the victims, while the rich commit all manner of crime and walk the streets scot-free,” he said.
He warned that this imbalance could fuel public anger, mistrust, and even violence, stressing that once citizens lose confidence in the courts, many may resort to self-help.
The Sultan further urged lawyers and judges to prioritize truth and fairness over financial or personal interests.
“It is only when the legal profession leads by example that the public can trust the system again,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing criticism from civil society groups over overcrowded prisons, where thousands remain behind bars awaiting trial simply because they cannot afford legal representation or meet bail conditions.
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