Renowned Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has reacted to comments made by a judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Emeka Nwite, warning lawyers against attempts to bribe him.
Odinkalu shared his reaction on his official X account on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, sparking renewed debate about judicial integrity and accountability within Nigeria’s legal system.
According to a report by Vanguard, Justice Nwite made the remarks shortly after granting bail to former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son. While addressing lawyers in open court, the judge cautioned them against approaching him improperly or attempting to influence judicial outcomes through inducements.
Justice Nwite stressed that lawyers should focus on diligent legal practice rather than seeking shortcuts. He advised them to engage competent legal representation for their clients and rely on the strength of their cases instead of attempting to lobby judges privately.
“All judges are not the same. Irrespective of the fact that I am familiarizing with you, when I am doing any case, please, don’t approach me,” the judge said. He further warned, “So, I want to warn each and every one of you, litigants and lawyers appearing before this court that they should understand the way this court works.”
The comments quickly attracted public attention, with many interpreting them as a strong statement against corruption within the judiciary. However, Odinkalu’s reaction added a critical dimension to the conversation, focusing on how allegations of attempted bribery should be handled by judges.
Reacting via his official X account, Odinkalu argued that judges who believe lawyers are attempting to corrupt them should take decisive action instead of merely complaining in open court. According to him, public expressions of frustration, without concrete follow-up, do little to address the root of the problem.
“This business of judges sitting in court to complain about un-named people trying to corrupt them has to stop,” Odinkalu wrote. “Courts and judges have powers to deal firmly with such issues.”
Odinkalu’s statement suggests that the judiciary already possesses sufficient legal and institutional tools to confront corruption directly. He implied that when judges publicly complain without naming offenders or initiating disciplinary or criminal processes, it risks normalizing the problem rather than deterring it.
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