Contrary to reports suggesting that the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, described judges and lawyers as the “worst bribe takers and givers,” excerpts from his full speech show that no such assertion was made.
A review of the full speech shows that Osigwe neither described judges as the “worst bribe takers” nor lawyers as the “worst bribe givers,” but instead delivered a measured, data-driven call for reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s justice system.
Osigwe, who spoke on February 6, 2026, on the theme “Judicial Corruption in Nigeria: A Menace to Democracy and Social Justice,” addressed judicial corruption as a systemic challenge affecting democratic governance, public confidence and social justice.
At the outset, the NBA President acknowledged the prevailing public perception of the justice system, stating that, “Many Nigerians have steadily lost confidence in the judicial system as it has been widely perceived as being riddled with corruption, inconsistency, and undue influence.”
He stressed that this perception has profound consequences, noting that, “The judiciary, which ought to be the last hope of the common person, is increasingly seen as an arena where justice can be delayed, manipulated, or outrightly purchased by the highest bidder.”
However, Osigwe was careful to explain that corruption is not peculiar to the judiciary alone, nor should it be treated as the failing of one professional group.
He described corruption as a broader societal malaise, citing international authorities such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the World Bank.
Quoting UNCAC, he said corruption is an “insidious plague” that “undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to violations of human rights, distorts markets and erodes the quality of life.”
In addressing the justice sector, Osigwe relied on empirical data rather than personal accusations.
He cited a 2018–2020 survey by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which estimated that about ₦9.4 billion was paid as bribes within the justice sector, noting that lawyers accounted for the highest proportion of bribe-givers.
He also referenced a 2024 joint survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which estimated that Nigerian public officials received about ₦721 billion in cash bribes in 2023, with judges ranking among several affected public officials.
Osigwe, however, placed these statistics in context, warning against simplistic conclusions.
Adopting the views of Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, he stated clearly that, “It takes two to tango. Where there is no ‘offeror’ there can be no ‘offeree’. In other words, corruption persists and reigns supreme because there are corruptors and corruptees.”
He explained that corruption thrives not only because of compromised public officials, but also because citizens, lawyers and litigants sometimes seek to influence outcomes through inducement.
The NBA President also recalled earlier admissions within the profession to show that the issue is neither new nor hidden.
He cited a 2012 statement by former NBA President, J.B. Daudu, SAN, who openly acknowledged corruption within the justice sector.
Quoting Daudu, Osigwe recalled: “I make no distinction here between the Bar and the Bench. Corruption is now a live issue that is threatening to tear apart the foundations and fabric of society.”
According to Osigwe, these past admissions demonstrate that the legal profession has long recognised the problem and must now confront it with honesty and reform, rather than denial or sensationalism.
He further noted that public perception, even when exaggerated, can be as damaging as proven misconduct.
Referring to comments by the Sultan of Sokoto, he said, “Today, justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity, and the poor are becoming victims of this kind of justice, while the rich commit all manner of crime and walk the streets scot-free.”
Osigwe added that such perceptions reinforce distrust and inequality, insisting that restoring confidence requires deliberate institutional action.
Far from attacking the judiciary, the NBA President commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her reform-driven posture.
He quoted her admonition to judges: “Let your judgments be reasoned, impartial and courageous. The Judiciary, as the final arbiter of justice, depends on the credibility of its officers.”
He also acknowledged the role of the National Judicial Council, NJC, in disciplining erring judges, noting that suspensions, dismissals and compulsory retirements have followed proven misconduct.
Osigwe warned that judicial corruption undermines democracy, stating that: “When courts become instruments for shielding the corrupt or punishing political opponents, elections lose meaning, governance becomes arbitrary, and the social contract fractures.”
He concluded by stressing that the fight against judicial corruption is a collective responsibility of judges, lawyers, institutions and citizens alike, declaring: “History will judge us not by our eloquence, but by our willingness to act,” he said.
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