Sultan Decries ‘Cash-and-Carry Justice
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has expressed concern that justice in Nigeria is fast becoming what he described as a “cash-and-carry” affair, where the wealthy escape punishment while the poor are left at the mercy of a compromised system.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu on Sunday, the monarch warned that the credibility of the judiciary is being eroded by corruption and inequality.
“Justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity, and the poor are becoming victims of this kind of justice, while the rich commit all manner of crime and walk the streets scot-free,” the Sultan declared.
He praised the NBA for adopting the theme “Stand Out and Stand Tall,” saying it resonates with the urgent need for legal practitioners to live up to their professional responsibility of defending the rule of law.
Abubakar, who chaired the opening session, urged lawyers to push for reforms that would make the country’s laws more reflective of its culture and values, while also ensuring social justice and wider access to the courts. He stressed that rising litigation costs have shut out many ordinary Nigerians from pursuing their rights through the legal system.
The monarch also lamented Nigeria’s persistent problem of weak policy implementation, despite what he described as the existence of “very good policies.” He challenged the NBA to ensure that the conference resolutions do not remain on paper but are pursued to practical conclusion.
“Justice is the foundation of any stable society,” the Sultan said, warning that the nation’s governance crisis cannot be resolved without accountability and equality before the law.
