Lawyer and public affairs analyst Sonnie Ekwowusi has condemned the recent extortion attempt by a court clerk in Awka, Anambra state while commending the lawyer who went public with the information for his courage.
A lawyer in Awka, Anambra State, had sparked outrage after alleging an extortion attempt by a court clerk at Magistrate Court 2, Awka. The lawyer, who did not disclose his name shared his ordeal in a video posted on X.com under the handle @BishopPOEvang..
Saluting his courage and urging citizens not to succumb to extortion, Ekwowusi said: “Thank you for sharing. This is the spirit. We must not succumb to the extortionist bid of our court personnel-registrars, court clerks, court bailiffs etc.
“But other lawyers and other litigants have already succumbed to it? And so what? You must not succumb to it. Say No to bribery and extortion. I know it is difficult to maintain one’s integrity in the Nigerian judiciary.
“Nevertheless you should not join them. Stand your ground as this young lawyer in this video has done.
“I have written several petitions against corrupt Magistrates and Judges whom I have encountered in the course of my legal practice.
“We must redeem the battered image of the Nigerian judiciary. Can you imagine the Nigerian judiciary being listed as the most corrupt institution in Nigeria? Also, can you imagine Nigerian judges being listed as the most bribe takers in Nigeria?
What is happening to us? I am ashamed of being called a Nigerian lawyer. You can argue from now till thy kingdom come but the public verdict stands.”
The lawyer who spoke in the video explained that after the magistrate granted bail to his client, who had met all the bail conditions, the process was obstructed by the court clerk, who demanded a bribe of 20,000 naira before proceeding with the necessary documentation.
“The Clerk of the court demanded that I must give her 20,000 naira before she takes the records (surety bonds) to the Magistrate to sign,” the lawyer said, adding that the clerk insulted him when he refused to comply.
He went on to stress that this incident is indicative of broader corruption within the justice system, emphasizing the need for fair treatment, especially for ordinary citizens.
The lawyer challenged the practices surrounding bail, stating, “When somebody is granted bail, bail is free at the police station and in the court. Nobody has the right to demand any money before the bail bond is perfected.”
