Appeal Court President Challenges Critics to Provide Evidence of Judicial Corruption

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban Memsem, has challenged critics accusing judges of corruption to present concrete evidence to support their claims.

She spoke on Monday in Abuja at a special court session marking the official commencement of the Court of Appeal’s 2025 to 2026 legal year. Dongban Memsem expressed dissatisfaction with persistent allegations of corruption against judicial officers. She insisted that no one has submitted proof to back such accusations.

She said that people keep hearing of corruption among judges and that those who make the claims should provide evidence. She stated that since no one has produced any proof, she believes the Judiciary is not corrupt and that judges are doing their best.

The Appeal Court President criticised the practice of lawyers filing petitions against judges simply because they feel dissatisfied with court rulings. She emphasised that disagreement with a judgment should be addressed through the appeal process and not through petitions intended to discredit judicial officers.

Justice Dongban Memsem also called for improved housing and security for judges across the country. She referred to the recent killing of a retired judge of the Delta State Judiciary. She noted that the circumstances of the death were not yet fully known, but it was clear that the judge lived in an environment that was not secure.

She said that even after leaving office, judges are still not safe because of the decisions they have made.

She urged the federal and state governments to provide suitable accommodation for all judges and not only for heads of courts.

The Court of Appeal President defended the Judiciary’s acceptance of support from the Executive arm of government. She said such support does not compromise judicial independence.

She explained that judges make great sacrifices for the nation. They have no alternative work and do not have time for other businesses because of the demands of reading files and writing judgments. She urged the public not to resent judges when the government provides support.

She stated that judges look at the facts and apply the law. She added that if they fail to do so, there are three levels of appeal. She said judges can be wrong, but they do not choose to be wrong. They may misinterpret facts, but such situations should be addressed through the appeal process.

She stressed that judicial decisions are meant to be appealed and not petitioned. She advised people to appeal when they can and not burden judges with unnecessary petitions.