[Video] ‘Bail is free’, lawyer alleges Akwa Magistrate Court clerk demands ₦20,000 bribe for bail bond

A shocking revelation, Emenike Chioke, managing partner of Top Law & Attorneys, has taken to TikTok to expose an alleged case of bribery by a court clerk at Magistrates Court 2 in Awka, Anambra State.

The lawyer claims that despite his client being granted bail by the magistrate for a minor offense and meeting all the conditions, the court clerk demanded a bribe of ₦20,000 before processing the bail bond.

In the video posted on his TikTok account, Chioke narrates his ordeal, stating, “I am here with my client. You can see us. We are still in court.

The honorable magistrate granted my client bail in a very simple offense and my client met the conditions of the bail. But the clerk of court said I must give her 20,000 naira before she will take the records of the bond to the magistrate to sign.”

Chioke further alleges that the court clerk insulted him and called him names when he questioned the demand for money. According to the lawyer, the clerk claimed that the magistrate insisted on receiving the ₦20,000 bribe before signing the bail bond, regardless of their objections.

‘Bail Is Free’ – Lawyer Alleges Clerk Demanded ₦20,000 Bribe For Bail Bond At Awka Magistrates Court @GovSoludo @NigBarAssoc @Asklegalpalace

Chioke further alleges that the court clerk insulted him and called him names when he questioned the demand for money. According to the… pic.twitter.com/i8ukZRCkR2

The lawyer expressed his frustration, emphasizing that bail should be free in both police stations and courts, and that no one has the right to demand money before processing a bail bond. He vowed to return the ₦20,000 cash by Tuesday morning, urging the court clerk not to approach him again if he fails to do so.

This incident has raised serious concerns about corruption within the Nigerian judicial system. The demand for bribes by court officials undermines the principles of justice and erodes public trust in the legal process.

As the video gains traction on social media, it is expected to spark outrage and calls for an investigation into the alleged misconduct at Magistrates Court 2 in Awka.

Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, efforts to speak with the NBA Awka branch and the court clerk were unsuccessful.

The Nigerian Bar Association and relevant authorities are urged to take swift action to address this issue and ensure that justice is served without the need for bribes or unethical practices.

The Nigerian Lawyer is urging citizens to send video clips of happenings in court which fall short of their expectations to asklegalpalace@gmail.com.

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