Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, highlighted that while the majority of Nigerian judges are ethically grounded and diligent, a small number continue to undermine the judiciary’s credibility. She made this statement during a public discourse titled “Ethics, Morality, and the Law” organized by the Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA), a non-profit Islamic organization, on Saturday.

Kekere-Ekun stressed the importance of examining the role of legal professionals, pointing out the need to maintain both legal integrity and societal moral standards. She explained that lawyers must navigate the often complex relationship between law, ethics, and morality in their pursuit of justice. “The essence of jurisprudence is the study of the relationship between morality, ethics, and law, especially in the distinction between courts of law and equity,” she said, underlining that these principles are crucial for preserving public trust in the judiciary.

She further noted that, just as clerics are expected to align with ethical teachings, courts must also ensure that their decisions reflect societal moral values. “When clerics preach and courts dispense justice, there is an expectation that legal outcomes will reflect the ethical and moral standards that underpin societal values,” Kekere-Ekun emphasized, asserting that the synergy between law and ethics strengthens public confidence in the judiciary.

The event also marked MICA’s 30th anniversary and celebrated Habeeb Abiru’s elevation to the Supreme Court. Distinguished attendees included former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi, and senior advocate Konyinsola Ajayi.