August 27, 2025 by [Our Reporter](https://thenationonlineng.net/author/our-reporter/)
When the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared that justice in Nigeria has become a purchasable commodity at the ongoing NBA Conference in Enugu, many lawyers including learned silk in the Hall were hit by the stinging metaphor. Today, they are living reality. It is an allusion to the impunity of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi’s scandalous withdrawal of corruption cases against the powerful.
By abruptly terminating the N20 billion Keystone Bank fraud case involving Ahmed Kuru, even after a key actor admitted guilt and forfeited stolen assets, the AGF, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) did more than betray Nigerians — he put the justice system on the auction block. In the same vein, withdrawing charges against business mogul Oba Otudeko and others is nothing but a confirmation that in Nigeria, if you are wealthy and connected, the law may bend to your convenience.
This is not discretion in the public interest. This is sabotage of justice. It is the AGF acting as protector of the elite, not prosecutor of the guilty.
The Sultan’s chilling words now echo with frightening clarity: “Justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity… the poor are victims, while the rich commit crimes and walk the streets scot-free.”
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What greater proof do Nigerians need than watching the AGF dismantle prosecutions of men already tainted by admissions and forfeitures?
Yes, the Constitution grants the AGF power to withdraw cases. But nowhere does it authorise him to wield that power as a shield for the corrupt. His duty is to strengthen justice, not usurp the courts, silence prosecutors, and deny Nigerians the truth.
By placing himself as complainant, judge, and jury, Fagbemi has crossed the line from lawful discretion to dangerous overreach. His action is akin to turning the AGF’s from a guardian of the people into a clearing house for the powerful.