By P. D. Pius
I know a judge that will not accept bribe even when all others are alleged to have taken. There are many others like him in our courts but let me quote a summary of facts from a law report for you.
In the case of Ukachukwu v. Uba [2005] 18 NWLR (Pt 956) 1 at 3 it was reported as follows:
“This case strikes at the very heart of the integrity of the Nigerian Judiciary. It involved fraud, bribery, and corruption of two Justices of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Enugu Division. They were Hon. Justice Okwuchukwu Opene and Hon. Justice David Adedoyin Adeniji.
The two Hon. Justices were alleged to have taken bribes amounting to N27 million. Hon. Justice Opene was said to have taken N15 million and Hon. Justice Adeniji was said to have taken N12 million and as well as unascertained sums of money in three “Ghana-Must-Go” bags.
Consequent upon the bribe, they delivered a majority judgment on the 26th of February, 2004 in an election petition appeal to that court which is the final court of appeal in such matters, pursuant to Section 246 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. The minority judgment, which was a dissenting judgment, was delivered by Hon. Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs who was offered a bribe but rejected it. “
Justice K. B. Akaahs JSC (RTD) will not be found taking bribes to influence his decision on a case. He believes in substantial justice in accordance with the law. I am glad he was the one that unveiled my office at the heart of Abuja. There are many more upright judges like him. We pray for more such judges to find their way to the bench and deliver judgments based on law and substantial justice, especially in election matters.
Get a copy of Akaahs: The Conscience of a Man by Gloria Mebeiam Ballason to read his rich biography.
P. D. Pius, Esq
Abuja, Nigeria
piusdanba@gmail.com
08038944639
