The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Memsem, has insisted that Nigeria’s judiciary cannot be branded corrupt without clear and credible evidence. She made the statement during the opening of the Court of Appeal’s 2025/2026 legal year in Abuja.
Justice Dongban-Memsem expressed dissatisfaction with frequent allegations of corruption against judges, noting that many of the claims are made without proof. She urged Nigerians to come forward with facts if they genuinely have them.
According to her, the judiciary is committed to fairness and cannot be condemned based on assumptions or public sentiments. She stressed that evidence is the only acceptable basis for such serious accusations.
The Appeal Court President also faulted lawyers who encourage their clients to file petitions against judges simply because they are unhappy with court rulings. She described the trend as unprofessional and harmful to the justice system.
Her comments come amid ongoing national discussions on judicial integrity, with retired judges and analysts raising concerns over issues like nepotism and lack of transparency. She acknowledged these debates but maintained that claims must be proven.
Justice Dongban-Memsem noted that the National Judicial Council has sanctioned and dismissed erring judicial officers, showing that the system is capable of self-correction. She said such actions demonstrate the judiciary’s willingness to uphold accountability.
She concluded by calling on Nigerians to support efforts toward strengthening the justice system, emphasizing that transparency and reform can only be achieved when accusations are backed by evidence rather than speculation.
