NJC Must Sanction Judges Used To Silence Opposition, Says Group

The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy has condemned what it described as the weaponisation of Nigeria’s judicial system against opposition politicians, calling on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate and sanction judges involved.

Speaking during a press conference on Monday, Head of the group’s Legal Unit, Kalu Agu, said such actions erode principles of fairness and democracy.

“Our democracy is under threat. We are deeply concerned about the alarming trend of using security agencies and some judicial officers to target and silence opposition leaders. When institutions meant to protect Nigerians are used against them, it sends a chilling message that dissent will be punished,” Kanu said.

He highlighted what he described as” selective prosecution” by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), pointing to allegations against former Zamfara State Governor Muhammad Bello Matawalle.

“Despite multiple petitions requesting investigations into breach of trust, abuse of office, and unlawful conversion of government vehicles, the EFCC is treating the former Governor as if he is above the law. Yet opposition figures face relentless harassment, arrest, and detention. This is a dangerous double standard,” Agu said.

The legal practitioner also criticised the handling of corruption allegations involving former Minister Mrs. Betta Edu, noting that her case “has long gathered dust in the cabinets of the EFCC.”

“Why is the EFCC more concerned with opposition figures like Abubakar Malami, SAN, while members of the ruling party walk freely despite serious allegations?” he asked.

Agu further raised concerns over judicial bias, citing complaints by the PDP and ADC about case assignments at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“Almost all cases filed against the ADC have been assigned either to Justice James K. Omotosho or Justice Peter O. Lifu. These judges have earned the nickname ‘Wike Judges’ because of their repeated rulings against opposition parties. When judges are used as instruments of political persecution, the independence of the judiciary is compromised and justice is brought into disrepute,” he said.

He further stressed that the group does not condone corruption but demands impartiality in law enforcement.

“We call on the NJC to investigate and sanction judges who compromise their oath of office, protect those who resist political pressure, and ensure the judiciary remains independent. Security agencies must act as impartial guardians of the people, not as tools of the ruling party,” Agu said.

“Nigeria deserves true democracy, not dictatorship by intimidation. Any government that silences dissent is not governing; it is oppressing. We cannot be silenced, and democracy must survive in Nigeria,” he concluded.