Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere Ekun has urged lawyers, litigants and members of the public to avoid threats and personal attacks against judicial officers, warning that intimidation could undermine the administration of justice. Speaking at a special Supreme Court session marking the 2026 to 2027 legal year and the elevation of 68 lawyers to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the chief justice said disagreement with court decisions should be expressed through lawful and professional channels. She raised concern about the use of social media for harassment and ridicule directed at judges and lawyers, distinguishing criticism of judicial decisions from threats and personal retaliation.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Kekere Ekun warned judicial officers to avoid conduct that could suggest political bias. She said election petitions and other politically sensitive disputes must be determined according to law, without regard to the prominence of the parties or the intensity of public reaction. The chief justice also criticized forum shopping and the filing of multiple cases seeking substantially similar reliefs. Such practices could produce conflicting orders, waste judicial resources and delay unrelated cases awaiting determination. Reviewing the Supreme Court’s workload, she said the court handled 2,456 matters during the 2025 to 2026 legal year and delivered 411 judgments.
Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi used the occasion to call for faster and more transparent disciplinary procedures for lawyers accused of professional misconduct. He expressed concern that prolonged investigations could weaken public confidence and create the impression that senior practitioners enjoyed special protection. Fagbemi urged the newly elevated senior advocates to regard their status as a responsibility to mentor younger lawyers, promote access to justice and uphold professional ethics. Both officials emphasized judicial independence and accountability ahead of the next electoral cycle.
