CJN FLAGS SOCIAL MEDIA RISKS, WARNS AGAINST JUDICIAL MISCONDUCT
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday warned judicial officers nationwide against misconduct and careless use of social media, stressing that ethical lapses could weaken public trust in the judiciary.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 National Workshop on Judicial Ethics for Judges of the Superior Courts of Record at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, she emphasised that the judiciary’s credibility depends not only on sound judgments but also on how the public perceives its integrity.
She noted that with the rise of digital communication and rapid technological change, judges must be more cautious in their behaviour, as their actions and statements are now subject to instant and widespread public scrutiny.
Kekere-Ekun highlighted that the growing visibility of judicial officers, particularly on social media, presents new ethical challenges that demand discipline and a clear understanding of professional limits.
She stressed that judicial ethics go beyond mere adherence to formal rules, requiring judges to consistently uphold values such as independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, competence, and diligence both inside and outside the courtroom.
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According to her, even minor or unintended misconduct could have serious implications for the judiciary’s credibility, urging judges to always act in ways that uphold the dignity of their office and reinforce confidence in the justice system.
The CJN also pointed to common ethical challenges faced by judges, including conflicts of interest, recusal decisions, extra-judicial activities, and interactions with lawyers and litigants, noting that such issues require careful judgment guided by the Code of Conduct.
She added that the behaviour of judges in higher courts has wider institutional consequences, as it often sets the tone for judicial practice across the country.
Kekere-Ekun further stressed the importance of ongoing judicial education in strengthening ethical awareness and professional competence, commending the National Judicial Institute for reforms aimed at aligning training with modern realities and global best practices.
She noted that the workshop was designed to address contemporary issues such as social media use, financial disclosure, recusal standards, and the boundaries of extra-judicial engagements.
Encouraging participants to actively engage, she described knowledge-sharing among judges as essential for promoting consistency and strengthening the judiciary as a whole.
She also acknowledged the contributions of key figures in judicial education, including Justice John Inyang Okoro and Justice Babatunde Adejumo, for their roles in advancing capacity-building efforts.
Reaffirming the value of continuous learning, Kekere-Ekun said judicial education remains vital in helping judges meet evolving legal and societal expectations and deliver fair, impartial, and trustworthy justice.
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