ENUGU — The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has raised alarm over what he described as a growing imbalance in Nigeria’s justice system, warning that the courts are increasingly tilted in favour of the wealthy while the poor are left to suffer.
Speaking on Sunday at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Enugu, the Sultan lamented that corruption and inequality have eroded public trust in the judiciary.
“Justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity, and the poor are becoming victims, while the rich commit all manner of crime and walk the streets scot-free,” he said.
The Sultan cautioned that this imbalance is not only deepening public anger and mistrust but also poses risks of social unrest, as citizens may resort to self-help if faith in the courts collapses.
He challenged legal practitioners to put truth and fairness above personal or financial interests. “It is only when the legal profession leads by example that the public can trust the system again,” he emphasized.
Analysts warn that a justice system skewed in favour of the rich stifles investment, encourages impunity, and undermines democracy. Civil society groups also point out that Nigeria’s prisons remain overcrowded, with thousands of inmates languishing in detention because they cannot afford bail or legal representation.
The Sultan’s remarks add to growing calls for urgent reforms in the judiciary, including transparent court processes, stronger oversight, and expanded access to legal aid for the underprivileged.
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