AGF Fagbemi tasks judiciary on integrity, cautions senior lawyers over global scandals
By David Lawani
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, yesterday took the judiciary and senior members of the bar to task, declaring that public trust in the justice system has been badly eroded by allegations of corruption, conflicting judgments, and professional misconduct.
Speaking at the Supreme Court in Abuja during the special session marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year and conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 57 lawyers, Fagbemi admitted that the temple of justice was fast losing its sanctity in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community.
> “Public confidence in the judiciary has been shaken by perceptions of undue influence, inconsistent rulings, and delays that frustrate justice. Allegations of corruption, though often unproven, cast long shadows,” Fagbemi said, warning that the judiciary “must be above reproach and suspicion”.
In a stinging rebuke, the AGF cited the September 11, 2025, ruling of an English property tribunal which implicated Nigerian legal practitioners.
He described the scandal as an egregious development that “bears sadly on the high esteem and integrity that our noble profession commands in the eyes of the world.”
He disclosed that his office had begun verifying complaints of misconduct against senior lawyers for referral to disciplinary bodies.
He stressed that the SAN rank “must not become a shield of immunity” for unethical behaviour.
While commending the Supreme Court for landmark decisions on corruption and federalism in 2024, Fagbemi said the gains were being overshadowed by a growing credibility crisis.
According to him, the judiciary has been thrust into the “court of public opinion” by its increasing role in electoral disputes and constitutional interpretation, yet it has failed to shake off accusations of inconsistency and delay.
“The strength of a judiciary lies not in the volume of its judgments, but in their clarity, coherence, and courage,” he admonished.
Fagbemi urged reforms that go beyond infrastructure and digitisation to a deeper transformation of legal philosophy and culture.
Turning to the 57 newly conferred SANs, Fagbemi charged them to be “ambassadors of the finest tradition of Africa’s largest Bar” and not pollute the rank through disgraceful conduct.
He warned that complaints of misconduct against senior lawyers were already “troubling in number” and risk bringing the prestigious title into disrepute both locally and abroad.
Quoting a Yoruba proverb, he reminded the new silks that “when disgrace wakes up in the morning, it goes first to the house of a person with a reputation.”
Fagbemi outlined efforts by his ministry to reform the justice sector, including implementation of the National Justice Policy, review of 1,509 federal laws, and collaboration with states to decongest overcrowded custodial centres.
However, he stressed that without integrity and discipline at the bar and bench, such reforms would mean little to ordinary Nigerians seeking justice.
Legal analysts say the AGF’s unusually blunt remarks highlight the depth of the judiciary’s crisis at a time when the courts face growing public skepticism.
By pointing to international embarrassment and promising disciplinary referrals, Fagbemi has signaled that the days of silence over misconduct among Nigeria’s legal elite may be numbered.
