"You can't get justice without money" - SAN says

Professor Itse Sagay, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption says drastic measures needs to be introduced to "purify" the Nigerian Judicial system.

Professor Sagay stated this while reacting to the recent raid of the homes of some judges by officials of the Department of State Service (DSS).

Describing the situation as "an endemic case of corruption", Professor Sagay said some Nigerian judges have failed to live up to the expectations.

He said: "It is a major development in our legal history, it is unusual. Where do you think such money (N360 million) came from? And if such huge sum of money can illegitimately be in the house of judges, then what is this system we are operating? Can one get justice in such a situation? This is what is troubling my mind.

"In terms of judicial corruption, we are facing an epidemic. It means if you don’t have money you can never get justice. So I think there is a need to really introduce drastic measures to purify the system.

“Respect for judges is based on their conduct, record and attitude. When that conduct fails, then they have exposed themselves to the situation, which they are treated," he added.

The DSS has also disclosed plans to arrest eight more judges as part of its operation against corruption in the judiciary.