Judicial Bribery, Slow Trials Weaken Anti-Corruption Efforts [Video]

Nnenna Eze, Communication Manager at the Public and Private Development Centre, stated that a 2024 Chatham House review found that over 61% of judges were likely to accept bribes to alter rulings. She cited the ICBC’s 2020 corruption index, which revealed that judges and magistrates received the highest amount of cash bribes despite minimal interaction with citizens. She also referenced similar findings from the UNODC.

Speaking on News Central’s Jasiri on Wednesday, Eze explained that these reports exposed weaknesses in the judicial system, with political interference being a major factor. She noted that individuals who embezzled large sums could manipulate the system, delay proceedings, and ultimately evade justice. She added that slow judicial processes not only hindered anti-corruption efforts but also eroded public trust.

According to her, prolonged prosecutions meant cases could drag on indefinitely. She stressed the need for mechanisms to expedite high-profile cases and observed that while some African countries had established institutions …