The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Aboki, has cautioned lawyers against engaging in acts capable of exposing them to criminal investigations, disciplinary action or public ridicule.
The Chief Judge gave the warning while speaking at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo branch in Kano.
Aboki warned that such conduct could erode public confidence in the legal profession and the justice system.
She expressed concern over what she described as rising unethical practices among some legal practitioners.
“The courtroom, a temple of justice, is increasingly being threatened by the desperate and unethical conduct of a growing number of unscrupulous legal practitioners,” she said.
According to her, while lawyers have a constitutional duty to represent clients and uphold justice, they must remain guided by ethics and avoid conduct capable of bringing the profession into disrepute.
“Counsels must consciously avoid conduct or transactions capable of exposing them to criminal disciplinary proceedings or public ridicule, which may ultimately bring the legal profession into disrepute.
“Some of the disturbing trends that have pervaded the justice sector are procurement of fraudulent judgments and orders.
“We have seen disturbing allegations involving the connivance of lawyers with corrupt elements, fake witnesses, and criminal syndicate to procure fraudulent judgments or court orders.
“Such orders are sometimes deployed to unlawfully evict vulnerable citizens, seize property, freeze legitimate bank accounts, or perpetrate land fraud under the guise of legality,” she said.
The Chief Judge further stressed the need for continuous reforms and technology-driven improvements in justice administration.
She maintained that technological advancement must complement, and not replace, the values of fairness, integrity and human judgment.
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Aboki called on members of the legal profession to uphold the rule of law and support efforts aimed at strengthening institutions and public trust in the administration of justice.
On his part, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the justice system, enhancing security and deploying technology-driven solutions to tackle emerging legal and societal challenges.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Abdulkarim Kabiru-Maude (SAN), the governor said that law alone can no longer address modern security threats without technological support.
Kabir-Yusuf noted that technology had become critical in intelligence gathering, modern investigations, evidence management and improving collaboration among security agencies.
He said that the state government had adopted deliberate measures to strengthen legal and security institutions through partnerships with security agencies and community stakeholders.
According to him, the administration has made significant investments in the justice sector, including renovation and construction of court facilities, recruitment of more judicial personnel and welfare packages for staff.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NBA Branch, Mr Ahmad Abubakar-Gwadabe, stressed the need for improved welfare and salary structure of state counsel and lawyers working in government ministries and agencies.
Abubakar-Gwadabe emphasised that lawyers on their own part must continue to uphold the rule of law, while supporting lawful measures aimed at protecting society.
He also advocated for full implementation and practical enforcement of judicial financial autonomy at all levels of government to ensure independence of the judiciary.
On the theme of the week, “The Role of Law and Technology in Addressing Insecurity in Contemporary Nigeria”, he urged government at all levels to redouble efforts in tackling unemployment, poverty, drug abuse and lack of education.
(NAN)
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