Abuja, August 27, 2025 — Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has declared that justice must be blind to gender if Nigeria’s legal system is to retain credibility and earn the confidence of its citizens.
Speaking at a legal stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, Fagbemi stressed that the concept of justice collapses when applied with bias, warning that any tilt in favor of men or women undermines both the rule of law and public trust.
“The integrity of our justice system rests on neutrality. Once justice begins to wear the garb of gender preference, it loses its moral force and legitimacy,” he cautioned.
He urged judges, lawyers, and law enforcement agencies to ensure fairness in their conduct, saying cultural stereotypes and societal prejudices must never dictate judicial outcomes. According to him, justice must be anchored on equity, fairness, and respect for the rights of every citizen, regardless of gender.
Legal experts at the forum echoed his stance, noting that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the impartiality of its justice system. They argued that promoting gender-neutral justice would not only strengthen institutions but also align Nigeria with international human rights standards.
Fagbemi reiterated that the Ministry of Justice would continue to champion reforms that guarantee equal treatment before the law, while calling on stakeholders to support the drive for a justice system that Nigerians can trust.