By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Adamawa branch, has raised alarms about the prevalence of corruption within the legal profession, identifying it as a significant impediment to the practice of law in Nigeria. Speaking at a news conference in Yola, Mr. Jibril Jimeta, the Chairman of the organizing committee for the recently concluded Law Week organized by the branch, highlighted the challenges posed by corruption within the legal system.

Jimeta emphasized that corruption in the legal profession has become widespread, with some lawyers serving as intermediaries for the exchange of money between judges and litigants. He expressed concern that the reputation of the legal profession is at risk due to the actions of a few individuals who engage in corrupt practices.

He stated, “Corruption in the legal profession is now in full scale as some of our members serve as the conduit for the exchange of money between the judges and litigants. We are not measured by our success but by the number of us who proved to be deviants.”

Jimeta pointed out that the legal profession is facing disarray due to breaches of the rules of professional conduct and other practices that are detrimental to the profession’s integrity. Among the cited issues were lawyers providing false hopes to clients regarding the outcomes of their cases and some lawyers allegedly seeking bribes from judges.

The NBA’s expression of concern reflects a broader acknowledgment of the challenges facing the legal system in Nigeria and the need for reforms to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards within the legal profession.