The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has cautioned judges against accepting bribes in the form of gifts.
The CJN, who handed down the warning at the inauguration of six newly appointed judges of the National Industrial Court in Abuja, advised judges to refrain from receiving gifts from corrupt individuals, particularly politicians and businessmen.
This, he said, had become necessary to prevent bringing shame and disgrace to their families in the event of being caught.
The CJN acknowledged that judges would inevitably encounter numerous high-profile cases during the course of their duties, often accompanied by tempting gifts, particularly in cases involving lucrative financial and business transactions.
The six newly appointed judges include Justices Subilim Emmanuel Danjuma, Mohammad Adamu Hamza, Damachi-Onugba Joyce Agede, Hassan Mohammed Yakubu, Buhari Sami, and Sanda Audu Yelwa.
“I am making it clear to you now that you must flee from such disguised danger.
“You must, against all odds, conduct your affairs within the ambit of the law and the oath that has just been administered on you.
“If you were hitherto 50 percent under public scrutiny, I can confidently tell you now that it has automatically risen to 100 percent by virtue of this appointment,” Justice Ariwoola declared.
