Following recent remarks by Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has stated that it plans to report the matter to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, citing concerns that his comments could damage public faith in the judicial system.
The decision followed revelations by Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, that he once accompanied current Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to visit Supreme Court justices during the litigation following the 2019 Kano governorship election.
The NBA’s National Executive Council (NEC), after deliberating on the matter, described the comment as deeply troubling and capable of “undermining public trust in the judiciary and the entire electoral justice system.”
In a statement posted on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) by Etaba Agbor, Secretary of the Young Lawyers’ Forum, the NBA noted that the NEC had taken a unanimous decision to submit a formal petition seeking an investigation into the claims.
NBA said, “The scope of this petition shall not be limited to Mr Kwankwaso alone. It will extend to any individual who has made statements or admissions indicating improper access to judicial officers or undue influence on judicial decisions.”
The association emphasised that the petition should not be misconstrued as a presumption of guilt but as a necessary step to defend the integrity of the legal system.
“The objective is to ensure that allegations of this gravity are subjected to thorough, impartial, and professional investigation,” the NBA stated.
The body condemned both false and substantiated claims of judicial compromise, warning that either scenario poses grave risks to Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement further stated, “False claims of judicial interference are dangerous and corrosive to constitutional democracy and must be firmly repudiated. And where such claims are found to be true, accountability must follow in accordance with the law.”
The NEC mandated the NBA national leadership to formally write to the Inspector General of Police and heads of other security agencies, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the controversial remarks.
Kwankwaso had made the claim while addressing supporters after Governor Yusuf’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), narrating how he allegedly took the governor to visit justices of the apex court following the INEC’s declaration of the 2019 governorship election as inconclusive.
The revelation has since triggered widespread backlash, particularly among legal practitioners and rights advocates, who say it raises serious questions about the sanctity of Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence.
Reiterating its commitment to the rule of law, the NBA said the judiciary must remain insulated from political manipulation and interference.
“Only a robust, independent judiciary can guarantee democracy and uphold the rights of Nigerians,” the statement added.
The bar association vowed to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, in line with its mandate to uphold the sanctity of justice.
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