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Judges led bribe takers in Nigeria in 2023 – NBS Report

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A recent report published on the National Bureau of Statistics website indicates that a staggering sum of N721 billion ($1.26 billion) was disbursed as cash bribes to public officials in 2023.

The report, derived from a survey jointly conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) under the title “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends”, highlights the pervasive issue of corruption within the country.

The average cash bribe documented in this report stood at N8,284, a notable increase from the previous nominal amount recorded in 2019 at N5,754.

The comprehensive survey estimated a total of $1.26 billion exchanged hands as bribes to public officials in the same year.

Breaking down the data by recipient, judges emerged as the recipients of the highest average bribe amount, receiving N31,000 per bribe.

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Following closely were the Nigeria Customs and Immigration Service officials at N17,800, members of the armed forces at N16,600, land registry officials at N11,700, and police officials at N10,400.

These figures underscore the deep-rooted nature of corruption across various sectors and the pressing need for stringent anti-corruption measures to curb this pervasive phenomenon.

Additionally, the report noted that 46 percent of public officials employed by the government resorted to offering bribes for employment opportunities or to expedite their recruitment processes.

This figure represents a considerable increase—1.5 times higher than that revealed in a previous survey conducted in 2019.

Moreover, the report revealed that six out of every ten individuals who secured positions in the public sector confessed to leveraging nepotism, bribery, or a combination of both to enhance their prospects of being recruited.

This data underscores the prevalence of corrupt practices in the public sector recruitment process and highlights the imperative for systemic reforms to promote transparency and meritocracy in hiring practices.

The prevalence of bribe-taking is disturbing in itself, but the disheartening reality of judges ranking at the forefront of bribe recipients is profoundly distressing.

The revelation that Nigerian judges stand as the primary recipients of bribes raises fundamental doubts about the integrity and efficacy of the Nigerian judiciary.

Judges, as the custodians of justice, are expected to embody impartiality and maintain a demeanour of dignified neutrality to adjudicate matters fairly.

However, when judges are not just linked to bribery and corruption but are identified as the foremost recipients of bribes, the foundational values of the judiciary are compromised.

This unsettling trend should be a cause for alarm for every Nigerian citizen. The judiciary ought not to be implicated in such misconduct.

The fact that the judiciary now leads the tally reflects a systemic breakdown in the administration of justice. How can the courts serve as the ultimate refuge for the ordinary citizen when judges are renowned for their involvement in bribery?

The revelation that judges rank highest among bribe recipients in Nigeria raises profound concerns about the integrity of the judiciary, the rule of law, and the overall quality of governance.

This unsettling revelation has far-reaching implications for the judicial system, public trust, and the sanctity of legal processes in the country.

Judges as leading recipients of bribes undermines the credibility and impartiality of the judicial system. When those entrusted with upholding justice and interpreting the law are embroiled in corrupt practices, the integrity of court decisions and the fairness of legal proceedings are eroded.

The perception of judicial corruption tarnishes the legitimacy of judgments, weakens the rule of law, and perpetuates a culture of impunity.

Judges engaging in corrupt acts not only compromise their judicial independence but also subvert the principles of justice and equality before the law.

Bribery distorts the legal process, skews outcomes in favour of the highest bidder, and perpetuates a system where the wealthy and influential can manipulate justice.

This erosion of judicial integrity perpetuates inequality, undermines the social contract, and fosters a climate of lawlessness and injustice.

Few would have faith in the adjudication process when judges are perceived to be deep into corruption and bribery.

Thus, judges being implicated in bribery and corruption extends beyond individual cases to the broader effectiveness of the rule of law in Nigeria.

When judges are susceptible to bribes, it compromises the judiciary’s ability to serve as a check on executive power, uphold constitutional rights, and dispense impartial justice.

The erosion of judicial integrity weakens the rule of law, diminishes respect for legal institutions, and undermines efforts to combat corruption and promote accountability.

Corruption in the judiciary erodes the foundation of a fair and impartial legal system, jeopardizing the enforcement of contracts, protection of property rights, and resolution of commercial disputes.

Businesses rely on a robust and impartial legal system to safeguard their interests, ensure contractual compliance, and uphold commercial norms.

However, when judicial corruption distorts legal outcomes, businesses face heightened risks, financial losses, and reputational damage, impacting their competitiveness and sustainability.

When businesses encounter corrupt practices within the judiciary, their trust in the legal framework diminishes, leading to uncertainty, legal risks, and a lack of confidence in the resolution of disputes.

This hampers business dealings, deters investment, and stifles economic development.

We expect judges to be alarmed and disgusted by this report which portrays them as very undeserving of the position and status they currently hold and occupy.

The judiciary must clean house. The National Judicial Council should be sufficiently worried to catalyse reform of the judiciary. Corruption in the judiciary must be addressed to restore public trust, uphold the principles of justice and strengthen the rule of law.Combating bribery and corruption within the judiciary is essential to safeguarding the integrity of the legal system and upholding the foundational values of a just and democratic society.

Source: Nigerian Tribune Editorial

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Gunmen on rampage in Awka: Popular media personality- Isaac Nwosu shot dead

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• Police Commissioner visits family, vows to get perpetrators

By Chuks Collins, Awka

Some yet to be identified three-man assassins suspected to be cultists have k!lled a very popular media personality in Awka Sunday afternoon.

The popular public announcer and broadcaster/radio guest artiste, comedian -Isaac Nwosu, aka ‘Aiza Nwosu’, was according to eye witnesses shot point while on the steering on the street of the Anambra capital city of Awka.

He was said to have been shot alongside two other victims at separate locations, point-blank, gangster style.

The State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, today 31st August 2026 after a 2-hour closed-door strategic meeting with the Command’s strategic and operational officers as part of ongoing efforts to reassess information from the public especially within Awka to strengthen security operations and sustain the fight against violent crime, paid a condolence visit to the family of late Nwosu.

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In his reaction shortly after the visit, Ama vowed to fish out the assailants.

Eyewitnesses who spoke to journalists said the unfortunate acts were apparently by the same assailants on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Late Nwosu was shot along S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo area of Awka.

Whereas the other victims were shot dead along Capital City Road, Amaenyi area in Awka.

Eyewitnesses and residents believed the dastardly act. were cult related.

According to one of the witnesses, “The assailants, numbering about three and driving in a tinted vehicle, trailed the comedian from his home, double-crossed his vehicle and before attacking and shooting him dead.

“They left the victim in a pool of blood inside his car. As they drove some distance away, they also shot another victim d3ad by the roadside, dispossessed him of his belongings and fled.

“The assailants fired some shots into the air before leaving the scene in a commando-like manner, thereby creating tension in the area. After they left, the security operatives arrived at the scene and recovered the lifeless bodies of the victims.

“The security operatives later beefed up security around the areas following the incident.”

Some videos circulating online showed the lifeless bodies of the victims lying in pools of blood at different locations as onlookers gathered around the scenes.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, August 31.

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Kano APC Chairman shot dead by terrorists

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Terrorists have shot dead the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman of Rantan Ward in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Garba Buba, during an attack on the community.

Buba was killed on Sunday night, August 30, 2026, after terrorists reportedly invaded Rantan community and opened fire on residents. Another resident identified as Sulaiman Zunduma was also killed during the attack.

A resident of the community, Hamza Isah Rantan, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post, saying the attack forced residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

According to Hamza, the terrorists shot Buba inside his house before he was taken to a hospital for treatment. He, however, died from the injuries sustained during the attack.

Hamza also said Zunduma was shot during the invasion and died instantly. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims while praying for the recovery of those who sustained injuries.

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“On Sunday night kidnappers attacked our town, Rantan, where they shot Alhaji Garab Buha, the APC ward chairman in Rantan, who later died in a hospital. They also killed another resident, Sulaiman Zunduma,” Hamza said.

The development was also confirmed by the Kano State APC spokesperson, Alhaji Auwalu Soja, who said Buba was killed on Sunday. He added that the party would issue an official statement on the incident.

The killing occurred less than 24 hours after another attack in the area, where three residents of Garun-Mallam were reportedly killed by unidentified attackers. The successive attacks have heightened concerns over the security situation in communities around the area.

The latest killing has further raised concerns over the safety of residents in Kano communities, with calls growing for security agencies to strengthen operations and prevent further attacks.

As of the time of this report, the identities and motives of those responsible for the Rantan attack had not been officially established.

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Ex-Bayelsa Gov, Timipre Sylva dumps APC, gives reasons

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Ex-Bayelsa Governor Chief Timipre Sylva
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Former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, citing what he described as the party’s departure from its founding ideals.

Sylva, a founding member of the APC, announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

He said he made the decision after consulting his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.

Sylva also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it had disappointed most Nigerians and expressing confidence that voters would seek a change in the 2027 general elections.

In the letter, which was electronically delivered, Sylva said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders appeared to believe that “all is fair in politics.”

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He wrote, “Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect.

“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.

“Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.

“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it. Unfortunately, this mentality appears to underpin virtually every action, and even inaction, of this administration.”

The former governor said the APC-led government had failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians, adding that he saw no realistic effort to change its direction.

“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he said.

Sylva said he had therefore decided to leave the party rather than remain part of what he described as a “floundering ship.”

“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities. I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” he stated.

Sylva also explained why he copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in his resignation letter.

He said he knew the decision could lead to increased scrutiny of him and his associates but was prepared to face the consequences.

“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he said.

Copies of the resignation letter were also sent to the National Chairman of the APC, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC and the APC Chairman in Bayelsa State.

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