Photo File: Sultan of Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has sounded the alarm over the growing injustice faced by Nigeria’s less privileged citizens, declaring that the nation’s legal system is increasingly skewed in favour of the wealthy. Speaking on Sunday in Enugu at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the revered monarch did not mince words, stating that corruption and inequality have infiltrated the judiciary, leaving the poor to bear the brunt of a broken system.

“Justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity, and the poor are becoming victims, while the rich commit all manner of crime and walk the streets scot-free,” the Sultan lamented, drawing attention to the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots in the corridors of justice. He warned that this imbalance is not just a moral failure but a dangerous trend that breeds anger, mistrust, and the risk of citizens resorting to self-help and lawlessness.

The Sultan’s remarks come at a time when civil society organisations and legal analysts have repeatedly raised concerns about the state of Nigeria’s justice sector. Reports show that the country’s prisons are overflowing with individuals awaiting trial—many of whom are unable to afford legal representation or meet bail conditions. This reality, the Sultan noted, is a stain on the conscience of the nation and a threat to peace and stability.

He called on members of the legal profession to rise above personal and financial interests and recommit themselves to the principles of truth, fairness, and justice. “It is only when the legal profession leads by example that the public can trust the system again,” he said, urging lawyers to become champions of reform and accountability.

Analysts have echoed the Sultan’s concerns, warning that a justice system that favours the rich undermines democracy, fuels criminal impunity, and discourages both local and foreign investment. The call for reform is growing louder, with demands for transparent court processes, accessible legal aid, and stronger oversight of judicial conduct.

The Sultan’s voice adds weight to a long-standing national conversation about equity, integrity, and the urgent need to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.