A new Amnesty International poll exposes stark public distrust in Nigeria’s judiciary, with nearly 97% of respondents believing judges face external influence and lack independence in their duties.
Shared on social media by Amnesty International Nigeria, the poll asked if Nigerian judges operate freely. An overwhelming majority answered “No,” with only a tiny fraction expressing confidence amid fears of pressure from political actors or powerful interests.
Judicial independence underpins democratic governance, enabling impartial rulings based on law alone. In Nigeria, doubts have intensified after controversial decisions in high-stakes political cases.
While not a scientific survey, the findings echo civil society demands for reforms to boost transparency, accountability, and trust. Advocates stress that bolstering court autonomy is vital for upholding the rule of law and citizens’ rights nationwide.
