As outrage into the alleged alteration of a court judgment in Imo State continues to spread, another lawyer has warned that the controversy is no longer about one case but about the integrity of Nigeria’s entire justice system.
The publication of Law & Society’s investigation, “When a Judgment Changes After It Is Delivered: The Imo Case That Has Shaken Confidence in Nigeria’s Courts,” has continued to provoke intense debate within Nigeria’s legal community, with Owerri-based legal practitioner Ikenna Kenny Ujah describing the alleged alteration of a court judgment as “outrightly criminal” and warning that such conduct, if established, strikes at the very foundation of the administration of justice. Reacting to the report, Ujah argued that interference with a court’s final decision is not merely a question of judicial misconduct but an assault on the rule of law itself—one that deepens public distrust in the judiciary and reinforces growing concerns about accountability within one of the country’s most critical democratic institutions.
It is regrettable that even lawyers do not appreciate the heinous nature of the crime committed by the supposed “Honourable Justice”.
It is outrightly criminal to tamper with a process of court, least of all a judgment, by anyone including the so-called “My Lord”.
This reprehensible conduct, amongst others, contributes to the spiralling loss of confidence in our ever-floudering judiciary.
In a serious country, the gonnif (pardon my French) would be treated like someone who committed high treason and dealt with accordingly. Unfortunately, we are in Nigeria where you will surprised to learn that he may be recommended for National Honours and feted for his “capacity”.
That is the tragedy of the territorial space we call home.
We live in a broken society.
Alas, it is finished!
ite missa est
