Mekwuny Calls for Judicial Reforms and Sanctions in Nigeria

Dr. Charl Mekwuny, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged for sweeping reforms in Nigeria's judiciary and strict sanctions against erring judges during his keynote address at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Agbor.

He emphasized that the judiciary's compromises pose a significant threat to the country's democratic development, particularly in electoral adjudication. Mekwuny criticized the judiciary for undermining democratic values through controversial judgments that distort electoral processes.

He acknowledged the recent disciplinary actions taken by Chief Justice Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, against judicial officers, including suspensions and compulsory retirements, as positive steps towards restoring accountability. However, he stressed the need for further reforms to rebuild public trust in the justice system.

Mekwuny proposed amendments to existing frameworks to protect whistleblowers and criticized the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Justice H.

Nganjiwa, which he deemed unconstitutional, arguing it created undue immunity for judicial officers against prosecution for misconduct.