Justice Must Be Equal:
The Case of Mama Boko Haram and Nigeria’s Selective Accountability
The recent conviction of Mama Boko Haram, who was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for defrauding a vulnerable individual of ₦11 million, has stirred a mix of applause and concern across the country.
On the surface, her sentencing is a welcome development. In a country where fraud and corruption often go unpunished, it sends a strong message that wrongdoing has consequences. It may serve as a deterrent to others who seek to defraud, exploit, or manipulate for personal gain.
However, a deeper look at the situation reveals a troubling reality.
What about the politicians and public officials who have looted billions of naira from the public treasury? What of those who embezzled pension funds meant for the elderly, subsidy allocations meant to ease the burden on ordinary citizens, and even educational funds like those from JAMB? Many of these individuals still walk freely, enjoying political appointments, contesting elections, or retiring in luxury.
This glaring contrast points to a long-standing issue in Nigeria: selective justice.
Justice Must Be Blind—Not Selective
True justice is supposed to be blind to power, wealth, and social status. But in Nigeria, it too often wears a lens that sees only the weak and powerless. Swift justice is meted out to the poor or less connected, while the rich and politically influential enjoy endless trials, technical acquittals, or complete lack of prosecution.
This dual standard does not only undermine the integrity of our legal system—it also erodes public trust. When citizens see a small-time offender jailed while billion-naira looters roam free, they begin to believe the law is not for everyone.
Symbolic Victories Are Not Enough
Mama Boko Haram’s conviction may look like a win for the justice system, but it rings hollow if the bigger thieves remain untouched. Anti-corruption efforts must go beyond token arrests and media trials.
The truth is simple: justice that is not consistent is not justice at all.
If we are truly committed to fighting corruption and restoring order, justice in Nigeria must be:
Impartial – not influenced by status or political party,
Timely – not dragged out for years without conclusion,
Complete – not stopping at soft targets.
Time to Demand Systemic Reforms
We, the people, must stop celebrating isolated cases and start demanding structural change. We need:
Independent judicial processes, free from political interference.
Reform of plea bargaining laws, which are often abused by powerful criminals.
Real-time prosecution of political looters, not just after they fall out of favor.
The media, civil society, youth groups, and religious institutions must rise to insist on equal justice and true accountability.
Final Thought
The question remains: Are we truly fighting corruption, or just punishing the powerless while the powerful are protected?
Until justice in Nigeria becomes blind, bold, and balanced, stories like Mama Boko Haram’s will only continue to serve as distractions—not solutions.