A professor of law at the Igbinedion University Okada, Prof Osaretin George Izevbuwa, has raised concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system, warning that corruption, political interference and judicial manipulation are turning justice into a commodity and placing democracy, economic growth and public trust at risk.
  
Delivering a keynote paper titled “Justice for Sale: Who Truly Pays the Price?” at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, the legal scholar argued that while the wealthy and politically connected may benefit from a compromised judicial system, ordinary Nigerians ultimately bear the heaviest burden.
  
The Deputy Vice Chancellor described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, stressing that once judicial processes become susceptible to influence and corruption, the very foundation of constitutional democracy begins to crumble.
  
According to him, the Nigerian Constitution guarantees fair hearing, judicial independence and equal access to justice through Sections 6, 17 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, but these safeguards are undermined whenever court decisions are influenced by money, power or political considerations.
  
The legal scholar identified bribery, forum shopping, conflicting court orders, manipulation of court processes and interference with case files as some of the major channels through which justice is allegedly compromised.
  
He cited several judicial authorities that have condemned such practices, including Supreme Court decisions, warning against abuse of court processes and conflicting judgments that undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
  
The speaker noted that corruption within the justice sector extends beyond the courtroom, affecting governance, elections, economic development and national security.
  
“When justice is sold, innocent citizens suffer, criminals escape accountability, investors lose confidence and democracy itself becomes vulnerable,” he said.
  
He expressed concern that poor and vulnerable Nigerians often face the greatest disadvantages because they lack the financial resources and political connections needed to navigate a compromised system.
  
According to him, the result is the emergence of a two-tier justice structure where the wealthy can afford prolonged litigation, senior lawyers and multiple appeals, while ordinary citizens struggle to access legal representation.
  
He also warned that judicial compromise in election disputes poses a direct threat to democratic legitimacy, noting that courts frequently serve as the final arbiters of electoral contests.
  
He argued that where judicial outcomes are perceived as purchasable, citizens inevitably lose faith in constitutional governance and the rule of law.
  
To reverse the trend, he called for sweeping reforms, including improved welfare packages for judicial officers, stronger protection of judicial independence, transparent appointment processes, digital case management systems, speedy trial mechanisms and tougher sanctions against corrupt judges and lawyers.
  
He also urged the Nigerian Bar Association to strengthen pro bono legal services to ensure vulnerable citizens have greater access to justice.
  
Maintaining that the fight against corruption within the justice sector requires collective action, the legal expert emphasised that no individual should be above disciplinary scrutiny.
  
He reaffirmed the enduring legal principle that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, warning that failure to protect the integrity of the courts could have grave consequences for Nigeria’s future.
  
The paper formed part of discussions at the NBA Benin Law Week 2026, which focused on reforms needed to strengthen institutions and secure the nation’s democratic future.