NJC suspends top judges

National Judicial Council (NJC) has announced that it will investigate 27 judges for allegations of judicial misconduct.

Three judges have been suspended for one year without pay following their involvement in various misconduct cases.

The NJC’s decision came after its 108th meeting in Abuja, chaired by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

Among those suspended is Justice Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division, who was found to have issued improper orders related to the sale of a petrol station during a case she presided over at the Federal High Court in Uyo.

Her actions violated judicial conduct rules, resulting in a one-year suspension without pay.

Another judge, Justice Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, was also suspended for one year without pay.

He was found guilty of proceeding with a ruling in a case without hearing from all parties involved, violating judicial conduct rules.

Justice Ekwo has also been placed on a watch-list for five years and is barred from promotion during this time.

In addition, Justice Aminu Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Zamfara Division, has been suspended for one year without pay for breaching judicial conduct rules.

His actions involved granting an order that interfered with the duties of security agencies, which was deemed inappropriate.

The NJC also reviewed several petitions, dismissing 29 complaints against other judges across the country.

It has instructed Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State to appoint the most senior judge in the state’s High Court to act as the Chief Judge.

Furthermore, the council raised concerns about the process through which some judges were appointed, with one petition accusing the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission of a non-transparent recruitment exercise.

However, the council dismissed the petition, stating that the allegations were based on false claims.

In the meeting, the NJC also decided that disciplinary action would be considered for Justice Nzeukwu for improperly presenting himself as the acting Chief Judge of Imo State.

Additionally, the council placed three petitions regarding other judges on hold, pending the outcome of appeals.