NJC to Probe 27 Judges, Suspends Three for Judicial Misconduct
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has commenced investigations into 27 judges for alleged judicial misconduct. The council has also suspended three judges from different divisions for a one-year term without pay, following confirmed breaches of ethical standards governing the Nigerian judiciary.
The decisions were reached during the NJC’s 108th plenary meeting held in Abuja, which also saw the dismissal of 29 other petitions filed against various judicial officers.
Judges Sanctioned for Misconduct
In a detailed communique issued after the meeting, the NJC confirmed that disciplinary actions had been meted out to three judges following investigations that found them guilty of violating the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
Also Read : Abducted NANS President Exposes Seyi Tinubu: “I Was Stripped, Tortured After Rejecting N100m Bribe
1. Justice Jane Inyang (Court of Appeal, Uyo Division)
Justice Inyang was suspended for one year without salary. The council found that while she served at the Federal High Court, Uyo Division, she abused her judicial office by granting inappropriate ex parte orders. These orders led to the sale of petrol stations and other business assets belonging to one Udeme Esset during the interlocutory stage of a pending suit.
- Violation: Rule 3 (5) of the Revised Code of Conduct.
- Case in Question: Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023.
2. Justice Inyang Ekwo (Federal High Court, Abuja)
Justice Ekwo was suspended for a year without pay and placed on the NJC’s Watch-List for five years. During that period, he is barred from elevation to a higher court.
- Offense: Issuing a ruling on a criminal charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021) without hearing both parties.
- Breach: Rules 3.1 and 3.3 of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers (2016).
3. Justice Aminu Aliyu (Federal High Court, Zamfara Division)
Justice Aliyu was also suspended for one year without salary and placed on a three-year Watch-List. He was found to have granted an order that restrained law enforcement agencies from executing their statutory responsibilities, undermining judicial precedent (stare decisis).
- Case in Question: Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021.
- Violation: Rules 3 (1) and 5 of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
Other Disciplinary Measures and Ongoing Investigations
Apart from the three suspended judges, the NJC also issued a cautionary letter to another judicial officer while placing several petitions in abeyance.
Caution to Justice A. Awogboro (Federal High Court, Lagos)
The council issued a formal caution to Justice Awogboro in a case involving Chief Adesanya Musediku vs. Assistant Inspector General of Police, Onikan Zone 2, Lagos. The petition was brought forward by complainants Kasali Olagoke and S. Hamza.
Petitions on Hold
The NJC deferred action on several petitions pending decisions from higher courts:
- Justice Othman Musa – High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. Petition paused awaiting outcome of a Court of Appeal decision related to Suit No. FCT/HS/BW/2274/15.
- Justice I. Ekwo – Petition relating to Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2015 paused pending appeal resolution.
Appointment of Acting Chief Judge in Imo State
The NJC issued a directive to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to comply with Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by appointing the most senior judge in the state as Acting Chief Judge.
Attempted Breach and Query Issued
Justice Nzeukwu, who presented himself for swearing-in as Acting Chief Judge without being the most senior judicial officer, has been issued a query to explain his actions. Similarly, Justice V. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Imo State, who recommended Justice Nzeukwu, has been ordered to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
Petitions Against Other Judges
Petitions in Abeyance
Three more cases were held in abeyance pending appellate decisions:
- Justice Abubakar Babashani – FCT High Court
- Justice Isaac Essien – National Industrial Court
- Justice A. Musa – FCT High Court
These petitions, filed by Henry Okoro, Ikemefuna Nwoye, and Lassborn Orjiugo respectively, are currently awaiting further legal outcomes before the NJC acts.
Zamfara Judicial Appointments Under Scrutiny
The NJC also considered a petition by Mahmud Aliyu concerning the appointment process for judges to the Zamfara State High Court. The petitioner alleged:
- Lack of transparency in the 2022 selection process.
- Nepotism and non-compliance with NJC’s 2014 Guidelines for Judicial Appointments.
Council’s Resolution
After deliberations, the NJC ruled that the petitioner, being a failed candidate for the position, had acted in bad faith by filing unsubstantiated claims. As a result, the council barred Mahmud Aliyu from participating in future judicial appointment processes for spreading false information.
Complaint Dismissed Due to Time Limit Violation
A petition by Abdullahi Liman against the 2021 appointment of six Federal High Court judges was dismissed outright. The NJC cited a violation of Section 11(1) of its Judicial Discipline Regulations, which requires complaints to be filed within six months of the incident in question. Liman filed his petition on January 22, 2025, exceeding the stipulated timeframe.
Summary of NJC Actions
- 27 Judges: Under investigation for misconduct.
- 3 Judges: Suspended for one year without pay.
- 5 Judges: Placed under caution or pending review.
- 1 Judge (Justice Nzeukwu): Queried for unconstitutional swearing-in.
- 1 Petition (Mahmud Aliyu): Dismissed, petitioner barred from future applications.
- 1 Complaint (Abdullahi Liman): Dismissed due to time-barred filing.
Constitutional Clarification
The NJC reiterated the unambiguous nature of Section 271(4) of the Constitution, emphasizing that the appointment of acting Chief Judges must be strictly based on seniority. Discretion or political influence in such appointments, the Council warned, is unconstitutional and will attract disciplinary sanctions.
What you should know
The latest developments underscore the NJC’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity within Nigeria’s judicial system. With several judges under probe, the Council has reaffirmed its watchdog role in ensuring that no judicial officer is above the law.
