27 Judges Under NJC Investigation for Alleged Misconduct

The National Judicial Council (NJC) initiates an investigation into 27 judges over allegations of judicial misconduct, signaling a push for accountability within the judiciary.

Four investigative panels have been established by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to look into allegations of judicial misconduct against 27 high court judges across the country.

The Council issued a letter of advice to Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court, urging caution in his actions as a Judicial Officer even in difficult circumstances.

It was reported that Justice Olagunju employed indecent language in a letter written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, where he contested the decision and Policy Direction of the Council regarding President Court’s appointment at Oyo State’s Customary Court of Appeal.

During the 106th meeting, which was chaired by former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola, the National Judicial Council (NJC) reviewed a report from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee regarding 22 petitions lodged against 27 judges serving in Federal and State High Courts.

The Council formed four Committees to investigate the accusations in petitions that were deemed credible following a preliminary committee report.

Mr. Soji Oye, the NJC Director of Information in Abuja reported that out of a total number of 29 petitions received by the council, only eleven were considered worthy for further action as they met all requirements and showed substantial merit; however, he also clarified that the remaining eighteen petitions lacked sufficient substance or had been abandoned/subjudice and therefore were disregarded.

Petitions have been filed disapproving the actions of Hon. Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, President Court of Appeal and other judges including E.O. Williams Dawodu, B.A Georgewill, Yargata Timpar, S.D Samchi Aisha B Aliyu A.A Aderibigbe M.L Shuaibu H.A.O Abiru and Abdulazeez Waziri who also serve in the Court of Appeal.

Hon. Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and Hon. Justices Z.B Abubakar, James Kolawole Omotosho, Sunday B.Onu (all from the Federal High Court) as well as Justice Okon E.Abang during his tenure at the same court are among others mentioned.

The remaining members include Hon. Justice Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court, Hon. Justice Babagana Karumi from Borno State’s High Court, Hon. Justice Maimuna A. Abubakar serving in Niger State’s High Court, and finally; Osun State’s own – Hon Justices A.A Adelibigbe and Nasarawa state high court Judge -Hon.Justice Aisha B Aliyu respectively

In addition, NJC has listed five Judges on its pre-sanction Watch List due to unsatisfactory performance and will suggest that the Council impose appropriate sanctions if they fail to demonstrate improvement.

During his final meeting before retiring, Justice Ariwoola expressed appreciation for the cooperation he had received from both members of the Council and its Secretariat. He urged them to continue this level of support with his successor.

The Council members took turns to praise and commend the departing CJN and Chairman, while also expressing their earnest well-wishes for his continued good health during retirement.