It is said that “The true test of a society’s values is how it treats those who serve its justice.”
In Enugu State, magistrates, who form the backbone of the state’s judiciary system, are facing a range of challenges that have left many feeling abandoned by the very system they serve. Despite holding one of the most critical roles in the administration of justice, these officers of the law grapple with conditions that undermine their dignity, threaten their safety, and make it difficult for them to carry out their duties effectively.
One magistrate, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his frustration: “We are expected to uphold the law, to be impartial, and to serve justice. But how can we be expected to do so when we ourselves are treated so unjustly? Our salaries are barely enough to cover basic living expenses. There is no official accommodation, no official cars, and we are often left to fend for ourselves in dangerous circumstances.”
This magistrate’s account reveals a troubling reality. The highest-paid magistrates in the state reportedly earn less than ₦400,000, and the least earn less than ₦200,000 monthly—a sum that falls drastically short in the face of the ever-increasing cost of living. With rent for a modest three-bedroom apartment in areas like Abakpa Nike exceeding ₦1.3 million per year, the financial strain becomes evident. Moreover, without the provision of official housing, many magistrates are forced to live in substandard, unsafe neighborhoods, leaving them vulnerable to threats and intimidation from those they might have sentenced in court.
It was gathered that a series of meetings were held with the state government and various presentations made regarding the plight of magistrates, but to no avail. Confirmed reports also indicate that the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Enugu State chapter, has written several times to the Governor over this issue, but no positive result has been received.
A top staff member from Enugu State Government House, who also requested anonymity, confirmed that the magistrates have indeed written several times to the State Government but didn’t ascertain the responses received.
He stated that issues of neglect towards the field marshals of justice administration have been a concern, as magistrates and their courts need attention. According to him, “These issues have been a long-standing problem. It’s no secret that magistrates have been underfunded for years. The current administration has been aware of these challenges, and while promises were made early on, not much has changed. I have seen situations whereby magistrates drive themselves to distant courts, often through areas notorious for crime, with no security detail. It’s a serious concern that hasn’t received the attention it deserves.”
Beyond the lack of housing and transport, the physical and mental strain on magistrates has grown. With no official vehicles since 2013, these legal professionals often rely on public transportation, exposing them to humiliation and potential attacks. One magistrate, who was on his way to Ogbede Magistrate Court, was publicly disgraced when he was doused with palm oil by fellow passengers. Another magistrate was ejected from his rented apartment, and a co-tenant once fought a magistrate in her rented apartment, then still called the police on her. These incidents reflect the degrading situations they sometimes face.
Also speaking, a practicing lawyer in Enugu, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, voiced his concerns, stating: “The welfare of magistrates should be a top priority for the state government. How can we expect justice to thrive when the very people responsible for it are struggling? It’s unacceptable that magistrates, who have such a crucial role in the justice system, are treated so poorly. The government must address this immediately—there needs to be a complete review of their welfare, from accommodation to security and remuneration.”
This lawyer’s call for action reflects the sentiments of many in the legal community. The inadequacies in the system not only impact the magistrates themselves but also threaten the quality of justice dispensed in the state. Without adequate compensation, security, and housing, magistrates face personal risks that may compromise their independence and effectiveness in court. The worst of it all is that they are not regarded as judicial officers, whereas they do the risky job of having the first interface with criminals, doing the difficult job of processing evidence before such matters reach judges.
Despite these challenges, Enugu’s magistrates continue to serve, albeit in difficult conditions. Like other civil servants, they carry the burden of ensuring that the rule of law is upheld, even as they struggle to maintain their own dignity in a system that has seemingly forgotten them—a system that also bars them from doing anything else except their job.
The need for the state government to act swiftly cannot be overstated. The continued neglect of magistrates is not just a matter of poor wages or a lack of resources—it is an injustice against those tasked with delivering justice to the people. It is time for their cries to be heard and for their welfare to be prioritized because, “A fair society is one where those who administer justice are justly treated.”
