During the inauguration of six newly appointed judges of the National Industrial Court, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, issued a warning to judges about the potential dangers of accepting gifts from individuals involved in corruption, particularly politicians and businessmen.
Justice Ariwoola emphasized that judges often encounter tempting gifts while handling high-profile cases, particularly those related to lucrative financial transactions. The cautionary message was delivered at the Supreme Court Complex.
The six new judges are Justices Subilim Danjuma, Mohammad Hamza, Damachi-Onugba Agede, Hassan Yakubu, Buhari Sami and Sanda Yelwa.
Justice Ariwoola gave the charge, saying: “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 per cent under public scrutiny, I can confidently tell you now that it has automatically risen to 100 per cent by virtue of this your appointment.
“It absolutely takes nothing to join the crowd but it takes quite a lot to stand alone with good conscience.”
