Mwalin Naomi Abdu, an Assistant Chief State Counsel and Gender Focal Officer at the Ministry of Justice in Gombe State, has spent over a decade advocating for the rights of the vulnerable, especially survivors of rape and gender-based violence. 

In a justice system notorious for systemic challenges, delays, corruption, and compromised decisions which include prolonged adjudication, technicalities that obstruct justice, her work has demonstrated unwavering commitment to fairness.

Abdu has remained undeterred despite the challenges within Nigeria’s legal framework, which the public often perceives as the “administration of law” rather than true “administration of justice,” according to Paul Daudu, chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja. In his speech, he captured this public frustration, saying that the system is riddled with technicalities and cumbersome adjudicatory procedures. But in the midst of these criticisms, Abdu’s unwavering commitment to justice shines through.

Her career at the Ministry of Justice has involved handling some of the most sensitive cases of gender-based violence and human rights violations. Her work focuses on bringing justice to survivors of these crimes, often at great personal cost. Her colleague, Danladi Adamu, who nominated her for the prestigious Integrity Icon campaign, described her as a legal professional who consistently goes above and beyond, refusing to bow to external pressures or temptations to cut corners. Her nomination for the campaign is a testament to her reputation as someone who embodies honesty and dedication.

However, Abdu’s journey has been anything but smooth. In a profession riddled with opportunities for corrupt practices, she faces daily temptations to engage in corrupt practices. “I face daily pressure to engage in corruption at work,” Abdu admits. “There was a particular instance where a case assigned to me led to persistent calls, including from the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who even came to my house. I had to firmly reject these advances and maintain professional boundaries.” In this instance, as in many others, Naomi stood her ground, refusing to compromise her principles. 

Her insistence on following due process and maintaining professional integrity has earned her both admiration and resentment from her peers. Some colleagues accuse her of being too rigid, and police officers have criticized her for her strict adherence to the law. “Madam, your own too much,” they tell her, but she refuses to back down. She remains committed to ensuring that survivors of violence, especially rape, receive the justice they deserve, even in the face of pressure from families to settle cases out of court. Her dedication is part of a broader struggle within Nigeria’s justice sector, where unethical behavior by police, judges, and legal practitioners threatens to erode public trust.

While her commitment to the law remains firm, even when faced with backlash, Abdu also frequently encounters pressure from families of survivors to settle cases out of court, particularly in cases of rape, where societal stigma and family honor often take precedence over the pursuit of justice. Despite this emotional and societal reality, Naomi has remained firm to doing what is right. Her stance on ensuring that survivors receive the justice they deserve speaks to the broader struggle within Nigeria’s legal sector, where unethical behavior by police, judges, and legal practitioners threatens to erode public trust in the entire system.

Abdu’s influence extends beyond the courtroom as she has become a powerful voice in raising awareness about gender-based violence, speaking regularly at public forums and engaging in community education. Her efforts to educate the public on the dangers of sexual violence and the importance of justice for survivors have earned her recognition from various quarters. Her contributions to community education won her a “Radio Friendly Personality” award by Jewel FM Radio Nigeria in Gombe State.

Despite her personal sacrifices, Abdu’s story is part of a larger narrative about corruption and how that continues to plague Nigeria’s justice system. Scholars have warned that corruption within the legal system has become institutionalized, with dangerous consequences. In his paper titled “The Impacts of Corruption on Administration of Justice in Nigeria,” Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu decried the Nigerian Justice System stating that “the moment members of society lose confidence in the administration of justice, a descent to anarchy begins.”

Naomi Abdu’s story serves as a reminder that integrity in Nigeria’s justice system is not only possible but essential. Her determination to uphold fairness and resist corruption in the face of daily challenges is a call to all stakeholders to restore public trust in the rule of law. Through her work, she embodies the values of transparency and accountability, proving that one person’s commitment to justice can have a lasting impact on society.

This report is championed by Accountability Lab Nigeria and supported by The John D. and Catherine D. MacArthur Foundation and Luminate.