OLUKOYEDE URGES MEDIA VIGILANCE IN ANTI-CORRUPTION WAR AS JUSTICE BANKOLE-OKI DEMANDS URGENT JUDICIAL REFORMS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on the Nigerian media to remain bold, vigilant, and united in the fight against corruption, describing journalists as key players in holding public officials accountable.
Speaking at the Nigerian Association of Judicial Correspondents (NAJUC) Annual Lecture in Lagos, Olukoyede commended the press for its role in strengthening transparency and justice across the country.
“When our efforts are acknowledged as they are today, it boosts morale and strengthens our commitment to fight corruption with renewed vigour,” he said. “Every corrupt act chips away at our collective dignity. We must be firm and united in confronting this menace.”
He emphasized the increasing number of Nigerians who now view anti-corruption as a patriotic obligation and urged the media to continue shaping public discourse, exposing wrongdoing, and fostering a culture of integrity.
Delivering the keynote address, Justice Folashade Bankole-Oki issued a strong call for urgent reform in Nigeria’s judicial system, warning that public confidence in the judiciary is eroding.
“There is an urgent need to strengthen the administration of justice in Nigeria. Public trust has waned—and rightly so,” she said.
Justice Bankole-Oki advocated for comprehensive digital transformation of court processes, including virtual hearings, e-filing, online dispute resolution, and paperless trials, citing their successful implementation in Lagos State. She urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) and state judiciaries to prioritize modernization and the secure handling of electronic evidence.
She also recognized the potential of artificial intelligence in legal research and case management but cautioned against over-reliance on technology.
“Technology, media, international benchmarks, and public feedback are no longer optional—they are essential tools for building an efficient, transparent justice system,” she asserted.
In her remarks on media responsibility, Justice Bankole-Oki cautioned against sensational headlines that could damage judicial credibility and voiced concerns over proposals like mandatory blogger registration, which she said could infringe on free speech. Nevertheless, she stressed the need for journalistic accuracy and accountability, especially in matters involving whistleblower protection.
Representing the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa called for improved collaboration between the judiciary and judicial correspondents to enhance public understanding and ensure accurate reporting.
Chairman of the occasion, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, praised the Chief Justice of Nigeria for introducing public input into judicial nominations, calling it a milestone in transparency and judicial integrity.
NAJUC Chairman, Mr. Olugbenga Soyele, described the theme of the event—“Strengthening the Administration of Justice Through Technology, International Best Practices, Media, and Public Feedback”—as timely and vital for Nigeria’s legal reform.
The lecture ended with an Award of Excellence presented to EFCC Chairman Olukoyede in recognition of his dedication and leadership in the ongoing anti-corruption crusade.
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