Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the chief justice of Nigeria on Wednesday cautioned against sweeping allegations of corruption targeting the judiciary.
She warned that such attacks could weaken public confidence in the justice system.
Speaking at the swearing-in of newly appointed judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja, she said while constructive criticism is welcome in a democracy, indiscriminate accusations without evidence are unfair and damaging.
Kekere-Ekun stressed that corruption claims must be specific and backed by proof, noting that reckless rhetoric erodes trust and unjustly tarnishes reputations built over years of service.
She, however, maintained that the judiciary does not condone misconduct and would discipline any judicial officer found culpable through established mechanisms.
The CJN added that judicial independence must be protected, warning that once public confidence in the courts collapses, the rule of law is endangered.
She urged the new judges to uphold integrity, resist external pressures, and approach their duties with courage and diligence.
