Kudirat Kekere-Ekun cautions judges on misconduct, social media excesses

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a stern warning to judicial officers across the country to steer clear of misconduct and exercise restraint in their use of social media, stressing that any ethical breach could erode public confidence in the judiciary.

The CJN gave the warning on Monday at the opening of the 2026 National Workshop on Judicial Ethics for Judges of Superior Courts of Record, held at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

According to her, the authority and legitimacy of the judiciary depend not only on the correctness of its judgments but also on the perception of integrity by members of the public.

She noted that the rise of digital communication has increased the visibility of judges, thereby exposing their actions and utterances to immediate public scrutiny.

“The legitimacy of judicial authority rests not only on sound decisions but also on the confidence the public reposes in the courts,” she said.

Kekere-Ekun cautioned that social media engagement by judicial officers presents emerging ethical challenges, requiring discipline, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of professional boundaries.

She emphasized that judicial ethics go beyond mere compliance with laid-down rules, adding that judges must uphold core values such as independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, and diligence both on and off the bench.

“A judge must at all times conduct himself in a manner that preserves the dignity of the office and strengthens confidence in the justice system,” she stated, warning that even unintended lapses could have far-reaching consequences.

The CJN also identified recurring ethical dilemmas faced by judges, including conflict of interest, recusal, extra-judicial engagements, and interactions with litigants and counsel, noting that such issues demand careful discretion guided by established codes of conduct.

She further stressed that the conduct of judges of superior courts has wider institutional implications, as it sets the tone for judicial practice nationwide.

Kekere-Ekun commended the National Judicial Institute for its ongoing reforms in judicial education, noting that continuous training remains vital in addressing evolving legal and societal expectations.

She urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to exchange ideas and strengthen professional standards within the judiciary.

The CJN also acknowledged the contributions of John Inyang Okoro and Babatunde Adejumo for their roles in advancing judicial training and capacity development.

Reiterating the importance of continuous learning, she said judicial officers must remain committed to delivering justice that is fair, impartial, and reflective of public trust.