“Judiciary Now Serves the Elite, Not the Common Man” — Femi Falana Calls for Radical Reform in Nigeria’s Justice System
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the “elitist capture” of Nigeria’s judiciary. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Falana lamented that the nation’s judicial system no longer represents the interests of the ordinary citizen but serves primarily the elite class.
Judiciary No Longer the “Last Hope” of the Common Man
Falana, known for his fearless advocacy and defence of human rights, declared that the judiciary — once regarded as the last hope of the common man — has lost that noble status.
“People make the mistake of saying the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. The common man has no means to go to court,” Falana said.
“The judiciary is now the last hope of the elite, the bourgeoisie. So if you want the ordinary people to benefit from the judicial system, you must promote authoritative disciplinary solutions.”
According to him, the system has been compromised by bureaucracy, delays, and inequality, effectively shutting out millions of Nigerians who cannot afford the high cost of seeking justice.
Call for Radical Judicial Reforms
The respected lawyer urged the Federal Government and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to embark on comprehensive judicial reforms aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring equal access to justice.
Falana emphasised that true reform must begin with time-bound mechanisms for all court cases, not just political ones.
“Only the elite’s cases move in court because political cases are time-bound. Other cases, for me, must be time-bound,” he stated firmly.
He argued that delays in the judicial process have eroded faith in the rule of law, leaving many Nigerians disillusioned and vulnerable to exploitation.
Justice for the Rich, Frustration for the Poor
Falana’s remarks reflect a widespread perception that Nigeria’s courts are more responsive to the powerful and politically connected than to the poor and powerless. Observers note that while election petitions and political litigations are concluded within constitutionally set periods, ordinary civil, land, and criminal cases often drag on for decades without judgment.
For instance, it is not uncommon for cases involving poor litigants — such as wrongful dismissals, property disputes, or human rights violations — to spend ten years or more in court due to adjournments, judicial bottlenecks, and lack of funding.
Legal analysts who spoke with Akahi News agree that such delays have turned the courts into a “privilege system” where justice depends on financial status, not fairness.
The Cost of Justice in Nigeria
Falana has consistently maintained that justice in Nigeria remains inaccessible to the majority of citizens because of prohibitive costs, lack of legal aid, and systemic corruption. He stressed that without urgent intervention, the justice system risks losing its legitimacy in the eyes of the people.
“When justice becomes a privilege for the rich and a burden for the poor, the entire society suffers,” a senior legal practitioner told Akahi News in reaction to Falana’s comments.
Falana also criticised the culture of judicial sluggishness, which he said contributes to prison congestion and delays in justice delivery. Thousands of detainees across the country remain in custody for years without trial, a situation he described as “a violation of constitutional rights and a stain on the conscience of the nation.”
Restoring Faith in the Rule of Law
The activist lawyer urged judicial officers to embrace discipline, transparency, and efficiency. He also called for the use of technology-driven case management systems and stronger disciplinary measures against erring judges to enhance accountability and speed.
He further appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to champion reforms that would make legal representation more affordable and accessible to ordinary citizens.
A Wake-Up Call for Institutional Change
Falana’s statement has resonated widely among Nigerians who believe that the judiciary has become disconnected from the realities of the masses. Many see his comments as a bold wake-up call for institutional change and renewed commitment to justice delivery.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of corruption, political interference, and slow judicial processes, Falana’s message serves as a reminder that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done — for everyone, regardless of class or status.
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