The President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Monica Dongban-Memsem, has issued a direct challenge to individuals alleging widespread corruption within the Nigerian Judiciary, urging them to present any proof openly rather than rely on unfounded accusations.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja during a special court session to mark the opening of the Court of Appeal’s 2025/2026 legal year, Justice Dongban-Memsem expressed deep concern over what she described as persistent, unverified claims targeting judges. She insisted that such allegations have become damaging to the integrity of the judicial system and unfair to officers who work diligently under significant pressure.
According to the PCA, criticisms often intensify whenever the Judiciary receives material or administrative support from the Executive arm of government. She argued that such support should not automatically be misconstrued as misconduct, noting that the operations of the courts require adequate funding, infrastructure, and welfare provisions to function effectively. “It is not inappropriate for government to support the Judiciary,” she maintained, “and such support neither compromises our independence nor defines our decisions.”
Justice Dongban-Memsem addressed the recurring allegations directly, stating:
“We keep hearing claims that judges are corrupt. If anyone has evidence, please bring it forward. That is what we need. Until today, no one has shown us such proof, and I firmly believe that we are not corrupt. We are doing our best under demanding circumstances.”
She criticized the growing trend in which lawyers encourage litigants to file petitions against judges simply because they are dissatisfied with a court’s ruling. According to her, the petition system is being misused as a tool of intimidation rather than accountability. She emphasized that the proper avenue to challenge judicial decisions remains the appeals process, not character-attacking petitions.
The PCA also called attention to the urgent need for improved welfare and secure accommodation for judicial officers. She referenced the recent killing of a retired judge of the Delta State Judiciary, noting that while investigations into the incident are ongoing, the tragedy underscores the vulnerable living conditions many judges face. “Even after retirement, we are not immune from danger,” she said. “Some of the decisions we make follow us long after we leave office.”
Justice Dongban-Memsem appealed to both federal and state governments to expand housing provisions for judges beyond court heads, stressing that those who serve the justice system make significant personal sacrifices. She pointed out that judges typically have limited opportunities to engage in private business due to the demands of their duties, making government-provided support essential.
“Our work is intense. We read heavy case files, interpret the law, and write judgments. We do not delegate these responsibilities. So people should not resent the Judiciary when it receives necessary support,” she explained.
Reaffirming her stance on judicial integrity, she reminded the public that mistakes in judgments can occur, but such errors are never intentional. “Judges can be wrong—we are human,” she said. “But that is why there are layers of appeal. If you believe a judge is incorrect, go on appeal. Bring facts, not petitions rooted in dissatisfaction.”
She concluded by urging Nigerians to strengthen, rather than undermine, the judicial process:
“A judicial decision should be challenged through an appeal, not by petitioning against the judge. Let us uphold the rule of law and allow the system to work as designed.”
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