Nigeria’s justice landscape has entered the new year under intense scrutiny as multiple developments converge across security, judiciary integrity, and institutional accountability.
The wave of events reflects both the lingering challenges and emerging reforms within the nation’s justice ecosystem.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded full justice for the brutal killing of Abuja lawyer Princess Chigbo Mediatrix, whose death has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for citizen protection in the Federal Capital Territory. Her murder highlights rising violent crime and the heightened risks faced by professionals in major urban centers. For many observers, an attack on a lawyer—an advocate of justice—represents a symbolic attack on the rule of law itself.
Simultaneously, enforcement of judicial authority is under test as the National Industrial Court in Lagos prepares to sentence the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Professor Abdullahi Ribadu and four other principal officers for committing criminal contempt of court.
The other four officers are Deputy Executive Secretary, Mr Chris Maiyaki; Director of Finance, Mrs Hauwa Amos; Human Resource Director, Mrs Victoria Omorodion and the Deputy Director, Legal Services, Mr Pascal Eruaga.The case stems from accusations of disobedience to a valid appellate judgment, further exposing a culture of disregard for court orders among public institutions.
Civil society organizations warn that without strict adherence to court rulings, constitutional democracy becomes weakened from within.
In an encouraging move for judicial integrity, the National Judicial Council (NJC) disqualified 34 nominees for Federal High Court judgeships after failing mandatory integrity screening. Advocacy groups have long insisted that judicial reform must begin at the point of appointment. The NJC’s action is widely seen as a corrective step toward sanitizing judicial elevation processes and preventing ethically compromised individuals from ascending to the bench.
Also unfolding is the ongoing trial of former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, who was recently granted bail in a money-laundering and abuse of office case. High-profile prosecutions remain critical in assessing the state’s capacity to confront elite corruption and demonstrate institutional accountability. Observers insist that such cases must not end at arraignment but proceed to their lawful conclusions to reinforce public trust.
Meanwhile, a civil group has raised alarm over rising attacks, threats, and media intimidation targeted at judges following recent property dispute rulings. The organization stressed that judicial independence is foundational to justice delivery and must be insulated from political and social pressure. Judges, they argue, must be free from fear to interpret the law boldly and fairly.
Adding to the judicial activity, the Supreme Court recently ordered a major commercial debt case involving Nestoil Limited, Neconde Energy Limited, and oil magnates Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesiback to the Court of Appeal for proper procedural review, affirming the necessity of appellate oversight in complex financial disputes.
Collectively, these events reveal a justice system under pressure yet showing signs of resistance and reform. Security challenges, disregard for court orders, integrity deficits, public distrust, and elite impunity persist. However, institutional screening, judicial assertiveness, and public rights advocacy signal a growing demand for systemic strengthening.
For justice-focused organizations such as the Unilorin49+ Foundation for Justice, the moment calls for sustained vigilance, advocacy, and civic engagement. Justice is not merely a legal process — it is a societal guarantee that must be defended, developed, and delivered without fear or favoritism