“There is no chance of justice,” Sowore blasts Wike for building house for judges

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a government project to build multi-million naira luxury homes for judges in Abuja.

Sowore described the initiative as an attempt to compromise the independence of the judiciary, arguing that providing expensive housing for judicial officers could create conflicts of interest.

The activist, who leads the Take It Back Movement, alleged that the project raises concerns about the relationship between the executive and the judiciary. According to him, building houses for judges while many FCT workers earn a minimum wage of ₦70,000 sends the wrong signal about government priorities.

“There is no chance of justice when the executive arm becomes the one directly providing houses and other benefits to judges who may later preside over cases involving the government,” Sowore said.

However, Wike dismissed the criticisms, saying the project is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda aimed at improving the welfare and security of judicial officers.

Speaking during an inspection of the project in Katampe District, the minister argued that providing official residences would protect judges from living in rented apartments where they could be vulnerable to intimidation or manipulation.

The project includes 40 five-bedroom duplexes intended for judges of the Federal High Court, FCT High Court and the Court of Appeal. The housing estate is expected to be completed and handed over by mid-2026.

Meanwhile, senior human rights lawyer Femi Falana also raised concerns about the arrangement, arguing that judicial welfare should be handled through the National Judicial Council to avoid constitutional and ethical questions.

Falana said the executive branch should not be directly responsible for providing benefits to judges, especially when government officials may have cases before the courts.

The housing project has since sparked debate over the separation of powers in Nigeria and whether executive-funded welfare for judges strengthens or undermines the independence of the judiciary.